Thus then, according to the opinion of men most disposed to abolish slavery, the greatest obstacle to enfranchisement, whether general or gradual, is the too great population of the blacks; this population must consequently be diminished as the first step, and the system of colonization is therefore wisely conceived, since its object is to offer an outlet to this superabundance of population. The emancipation of Hayti, also adds to the facilities offered by the African colony of Liberia, but in order not to compromit the safety and prosperity of this colony, and of the republic of Hayti, no emigrants should be sent to either, except such whose manners and intelligence may contribute to the prosperity of these new societies: it is unfortunately but too true, that almost the whole of the blacks in the United States, are still too much brutalized by ignorance and slavery, to furnish good subjects for emigration. The efforts then, of the friends of humanity, and of that true liberty which does not admit of the ridiculous distinction between men, founded upon colour of skin, should all be directed to enlighten the minds of the rising generation of blacks. This noble end can only be attained by establishing, multiplying, and encouraging, every where, free schools for coloured children of both sexes. It is in vain that some individuals, blinded by their prejudices, exclaim that there is no hope of improving the African race, which is only intermediate to man and the brutes, in the scale of being. Numerous facts have long since refuted this absurd assertion; and moreover, may it not be asked of those who are so proud of the whiteness of their skin, and who judge the blacks only by what they are, not what they are capable of, if they know well what would be the condition of their descendants after several generations, were slavery suddenly transferred from the blacks to the whites? But why fear the opposition of prejudices which are daily weakened, and whose approaching extinction is presaged by the humanity with which, in general, all the American planters believe themselves at present obliged to treat their slaves.
Some facts which I shall have occasion to cite, will, I hope, complete the proof that relative to slavery, public opinion is in a good train in the United States, and that it only requires encouragement, and that good advice relative to the means to be employed, would be more serviceable than violent attacks which are often unjust and exaggerated.
I shall conclude these observations by remarking, that the state of Virginia in a population of 1,065,366 contains 462,281 coloured people, of which 37,113 are free. This last number appears never to increase much, because this state in particular supplies colonists for Liberia, and emigrants to Hayti and that in general the irregular life of the free negroes in the large cities; considerably prevents their reproduction.
CHAPTER XV.
Masonic Entertainment: Journey to Petersburg: Visit to Mr. Jefferson: his mansion: plantation: slaves: Montpelier: Mr. Madison: Religious Liberty: Return to Washington by Orange Court House and Fredericksburg.
Among the splendid festivities prepared by the citizens of Richmond for the National Guest, the particular description of which I am obliged to forego, there was one I must speak of, as affording an idea of free-masonry in the United States; an institution, for whose persecution the Inquisition has so often lighted its faggots in Spain and Italy, and which some European governments do not tolerate at the present day, without repugnance.
On Saturday, the 30th October, after having been introduced with the accustomed ceremonies into the Masonic Temple, where the members of the various lodges of Richmond were collected, we marched forth in grand procession, to go to a fraternal banquet prepared at a hotel in the other end of the city. The procession, consisting of more than three hundred persons, moved in the following order:—
A detachment of brethren with drawn swords, preceded the march. After this detachment came a band of musicians, playing American and French national airs, among which the Marseilles hymn was not forgotten. Behind the music marched two long files of brethren of the lower degrees, and between these two files, all the grand dignitaries of the society, carrying in the centre a bible, placed on a rich velvet cushion embroidered with gold, and surrounded by masonic symbols. Among the grand dignitaries, the governor of Virginia, chief justice Marshall, and many other officers of state, were conspicuous. All the brethren wore the badges of their degrees, and their variety presented a truly original picture. All the streets we passed through were crowded with spectators, who by their attitude and silence, expressed the respect inspired by this ceremony. Before taking our places at table, a protestant clergyman belonging to the masonic order, pronounced a discourse, in which he reminded us that true masonry reposed on truth, equality, and charity, and that to fulfil our duties as masons, was, in other words, to discharge our duties towards God and man. He concluded his discourse by blessing our repast, which was commenced with much gravity, but concluded amidst those bursts of frank and hearty merriment so distinctive of the inhabitants of Virginia. A great number of patriotic toasts were drank by the guests; that of general Lafayette was enthusiastically received. It was as follows—“Liberty, Equality, Philanthropy, the true masonic symbol. May the practice of these principles always secure us the esteem of our friends, and the dislike of the enemies of the human race.”
After the entertainment we resumed our rout to the temple with the same ceremonies, and in the same order observed in coming to the hotel; we returned to spend the evening gaily in the company of a numerous society collected at our dwelling.
On leaving Richmond general Lafayette expected to pay a visit to his old and good friend, the ex-president, Jefferson, but a pressing invitation from the citizens of Petersburg, caused a slight change in his plan. He resolved first to attend to this invitation, and then to return to Richmond, and set out thence for Monticello. Nearly six hours were occupied in traversing the woody and sandy road from Richmond to Petersburg, which is not more than twenty-five miles. While on the way, some of our escort pointed out an old frame church, which had been occupied by Lafayette, as his head quarters during the campaign of Virginia, when he manœuvred on this ground to prevent the junction of Cornwallis with general Phillips. In approaching the town general Lafayette recognised the position whence he cannonaded and burnt Petersburg, in order to dislodge the British, who had entered by so rapid a march that he could not prevent it. The details of this part of the campaign of Virginia are briefly and clearly related in Marshall’s excellent Life of Washington.