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The missions are in the Burman empire, at Rangoon, Maulmein, and Tavoy; in western Africa, at Liberia; and there are eight stations among various tribes of Indians in North America.

The whole history of missions has recorded but very few opportunities for disseminating the gospel of Christ, so inviting as that which is now presented in Burmah. The number of inhabitants speaking one language there, is nearly as great as that of our own country. A portion of these are under the protection of the British government, where, of course, both missionaries and converts, will enjoy the benefit of the laws of civilization. The people are very generally able to read. Within a few years, they have manifested a spirit of inquiry on the subject of religion, to which scarcely any parallel is to be found in the history of pagan nations; and besides all this, the holy Spirit has been poured out, and conversions in greater numbers, and under more interesting circumstances than common, have attended the preaching of the gospel at all the stations.

Much has been done to render the press efficient in this kingdom. Mr. Oliver T. Cutter embarked with his family on board the ship Gibraltar, of Boston, October 12th, 1831, bound to Calcutta. He has not yet been heard from, but has doubtless arrived. He is to aid Mr. Bennett. He took with him a second press, the gift of the Oliver-street church, in the city of New York A third printer, Mr. Royal B. Hancock, is now under engagement to join this department with as little delay as possible.

He will carry out two additional presses, one presented by Rev. Ebenezer Loomis, of New York, the other by the late lamented Jonathan Carleton, Esq., of Boston. Besides a thorough acquaintance with the art of printing, Mr. Hancock has acquired a knowledge of the stereotype business, and procured the principal materials necessary for the establishment of a foundry, as soon as he shall arrive at Maulmein.

The types, which were some time deficient, have with much labor and attention been prepared at Calcutta, under the eye of William H. Pearce. In a recent letter to the treasurer, he expresses his conviction that the fount is now complete and ample for an edition of the New Testament.

From the above facts appears that we are rapidly approaching a consummation long desired by the friends of Burmah. The power which the press is capable of wielding over the millions of that country is no longer doubtful. The people will read when the truth is put into their hands. The spirit of inquiry increases. as the means which are to awaken it are multiplied. At first, it was impossible to give away books except to a few, and even then, in some instances they were returned. Now they are sought after by men who travel great distances to solicit them in person. Nor is it uncertain whether with vigorous exertions the demand can be supplied. The capability of a single press, worked under many disadvantages decides the question.

For several months Mr. Bennet was alonein a climate uncongenial-and he has since availed himself of but two native pressmen, and a Swede, yet he has published, by estimation, at least two hundred thousand tracts.

The price, moreover, at which the work can be executed, places it within the reach of ordi

nary means. Had the expense been double in that country to what it is in this, where every facility for printing is enjoyed, no one should have been surprised. But it is ascertained that tracts can be published there at the rate of eight pages to the cent, or eight hundred pages to the dollar; therefore, within one fifth of the standard rate at which they were issued for years at the best depositories in this country. It is further calculated, that with additional presses in operation a reduction may be made from the estimate above, and bring the issues there, to correspond with the issues here.

From such an accession of strength as is now promised, the best results may be anticipated. The thousands who ask for light from Ya-Mergui. Tavoy, and the entire kingdoms of Burmah and Siam, will receive it. The sacred scriptures, so long desired in Burman, will be sent forth. The power of issuing new translations of the word, as in Talieng or other languages, will be possessed, and we may hope, in a few years, those vast regions of darkness will be filled with the knowledge and glory of God.

The parts of the New Testament already issued at Maulmein, are the gospels of Matthew and John, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles to the Ephesians and Hebrews, two of John's Epistles, and Jude. Of some of these, there have been successive editions. A small addition has been made to the list of tracts as reported the last year. Four of the principal tracts have been translated, and forwarded to the Board, which appear to be admirably adapted to the state of the people for whom they were prepared.

Respecting the mission in Liberia it is stated, that no appointment of missionaries has been made since the death of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner.

The good work of God has nevertheless prospered, and a healthy religious influence pervaded the colony. A letter from Mr. C. N. Waring, one of the pastors of the Baptist church in Monrovia, furnishes the following particulars: "Since captain S. was with us, there have been nearly one hundred added to our church. The work began in June, 1830. in Monrovia, and lasted till the early part of 1831. It then extended to Caldwell and Carey Town, a settlement of recaptured Africans. Among the latter it has continued ever since, so that they make up the largest number that has been added to the church, and they seem fully to adorn the Christian character. They have built themselves a small house of worship, at which they meet regularly on Lord's-day, and twice in the week for prayer. We have appointed one of the most intelligent among them, to take the oversight of them, and to exhort them when none of the preachers are there from Monrovia. Monrovia may be said to be a Christian community; there is scarcely a family in it in which some one or the whole do not possess religion. We are about to build us a new meeting-house, which has been delayed on account of the want of funds; but we have renewed our exertions, and the corner-stone is to be laid on the fourth of next month. It is to be forty by thirty-four feet, and built of stone."

The Board have not, in consideration of what was doing without them, slackened their efforts, but have carried on a correspondence with indi viduals in various parts of our country where a prospect offered of obtaining suitable missionaries. They regret to state that they have not

yet succeeded in engaging any one, though all have not been heard from who were addressed.

A few passages are selected respecting several of the missions among the Indians.

Among the Otawas, on Grand River, Michigan Territory:

Mr. Slater has devoted himself principally to evangelical labors, and no doubt with advantage to the Indians. He has acquired their language, and can address them without an interpreter. His custom is to spend a part of every week at their lodges, and press on their attention the subject of personal religion. Finding but little encouragement, the members of the mission family, early in the present year, resolved to set apart a day for fasting and special prayer. In accordance with this purpose, they met, January 13th, and at the close of the day, found, to their inexpressible joy, that they had not sought the Lord in vain. A hired man, who lived in the family, was the first to discover the deep conviction of his soul, that as a sinner he was lost. After him several of the Indian children, members of the mission school, and finally one of the chiefs, be

came much distressed. Four only had given evidence of a hope in Christ, at the date of our last intelligence, but the prospect of a considerable work was no way diminished. This exhibition of mercy to the perishing Indians, is the more cheering, from the fact, that all previous efforts for their salvation, had proved nearly fruitless. It reflects, at the same time, great honor upon prayer, and teaches the absolute dependance of means on the blessing of God. It shows that no faithful servant of Jehovah should labor in despondency, while he executes the duties of his situation in the spirit of prayer.

At Sault de St. Marie, in the Michigan Territory:

The labors of Mr. Bingham have been almost wholly of an evangelical character, and divided between the Indian and white population. To the former, their value has been greatly enhanced by the interpreting of Mr. Tanner, who is pious, and enters into the spirit of every address. A translation of a part of the New Testament into Chippewa by Dr. James, has also been useful, and should it be printed, will doubtless prove a blessing to the tribe.

In December, it became apparent, that the word preached was taking effect, and a more than ordinary interest was felt in the subject of religion. The number of hearers increased, and anxious inquirers often tarried for prayer and conversation, after the assemblies were dismissed. In a little time, the work spread into the garrison, and several of the soldiers became hopefully pious. Still more were asking, "what shall we do to be saved?" Of the converts few had made an open profession of religion at the date of Mr. Bingham's last letter. Five had submitted to baptism, and united with the church, which now consists of twelve members, and others were expected soon to come forward.

This station has the advantage of affording its missionary frequent opportunities for giving religious instruction to natives from the interior. It so occurred the last winter, that a Tequemenon chief and his daughter were detained at the place for several weeks, during which time it

was hoped that she became savingly acquainted with the truth.

The temperance measures of Mr. Bingham have been very successful. Nearly all the inhabitants of the place are united in them, and partake in the general benefit.

At the Valley Towns, among the Cherokee Indians:

The members of the church who live at a distance, are become so numerous, that it is scarcey possible for all to attend at one place at communion season. For the accommodation of those who were thus circumstanced, we appointthe Saturday before at Desehdsee, about 18 or ed a sacramental meeting for last Sabbath, and 20 miles from hence; situated in the beautiful valley, which gives the name of Valley Towns to this part of the nation. Our brethren erected a convenient shelter for the occasion, covered with boards and railed round, except two doorways. They also cleared a place at the side of the Valley river, to go down to baptise, and for the congregation to view the administration of the ordinance. During the preaching, by brother prevailed, and especially in the last prayer, John Wickliffe and myself, much seriousness when many seemed greatly affected. After a short interval, we assembled and proceeded to the river. Great solemnity prevailed among the ed, while the six candidates, three males and spectators, and many appeared deeply interestthree females, were baptised as disciples of the Lord Jesus. The whole congregation returned to view for the first time, in this valley, the light beaming from the emblems of the great atoning sacrifice, and chasing the darkness of unknown ages. At the conclusion of the service, I perceived many persons in the congregation greatly affected. Every breast seemed to be full, and every heart overwhelmed with various emotions. Some bowed down under the guilt of past sins, some hoping in the atoning blood of Jesus, while many bosoms swelled with gratitude to see their parents, wives, husbands, children, yielding to the gentle sway of the blessed Savior. The mourning penitents were of all ages, from eight or nine to upwards of eighty years of age.

A further account of the special attention given by the Cherokees to the subject of religion, is found in a letter from Mr. Jones, published in the Baptist Missionary Register.

On Saturday evening, ten full Cherokees related the exercises of their minds to the church, and were received. On Sabbath morning, three more Cherokees, and one young white man, told us what God had done for their souls, and were also received. They all then prepared for baptism, and we proceeded to the river, where the fourteen, seven males, and seven females, were immersed in the name of the Holy Trinity, in presence of a large company of Indians, many of whom had never witnessed the administration of the ordinance before.

At the Lord's table, I gave the right hand of fellowship to fifteen persons, and then sat down to commemorate the death of our blessed Lord, who, by his vicarious sufferings, laid the foundation of all the blessings which we are privileged to witness. Much seriousness prevailed during

"1. That it is the Lord's design that the gospel shall be preached to every creature. "2. That there are in the scriptures a variety of passages which guaranty its success.

the exercises of the day, but at night the Lord || taining reasons which are worthy of your prayerseemed to operate more powerfully on many ful regard: hearts. Invitation to the anxious being given, many broken-hearted sinners came forward. Fourteen had just been taken from the ranks of these mourners, but their places were filled by others, whose inquiry was, what shall we do to be saved? Solemnity pervaded the assembly, and I trust the influences of the holy Spirit were truly felt.

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The influence of the gospel has been silently diffusing itself through the country during the winter. An impression, that it is an important reality, has reached several distant towns. message arrived from two considerable settlements, one 25 and the other 40 miles distant, requesting us to visit them for the purpose of preaching to them.

REPORT OF THE GENERAL SYNOD OF THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, ON THE SUBJECT OF MISSIONS.

THE northern board of missions having resolved to give up their missionary stations, funds and responsibilities, to this board, presented their minutes and papers, together with a statement of their affairs, which were accepted by the Board. The responsibilities of the northern board, on account of appropriations, made to churches, and remaining unpaid, which were assumed by this Board, amounted to $1,981 25the whole of which has been paid excepting $164. As the missionary society which constituted the southern board of missions of General Synod, for the year ending in June, 1831, did not give up their concerns to this Board, but have proceeded to act as a missionary society, according to their original organization, we have nothing to report in regard to their operations.

It appears that the whole amount received into the treasury, including $1,000, a legacy left by the late Jacob Van Benschoten, for domestic missions, is $4,849 05-and that there have been paid, to drafts on appropriations, together with the salary of the agent, as directed by General Synod, $4,734 11, leaving a balance amounting to $114 94.

It is farther stated, that the amount now due, and which will become due up to the first of August next, to churches and missionaries, according to the appropriation made by the Board, will be about $1,250.

Appropriations have been made to thirty weak churches, to assist them in supporting the gospel, amounting to $4,950, subject to a deduction of various sums to be raised by the congregations or churches thus assisted, for the missionary fund-and thirty ministers have been employed. In addition to the foregoing, six churches have solicited the Board for aid.

From these statements it appears, that in view of the responsibilities already assumed by the Board, and the calls which are presented for more extended assistance, to weak churches, a strong effort will require to be made to supply the treasury with funds.

The subject of foreign missions has also been brought before your committee, by reference from both of the particular synods, as one which justly claims the deliberate attention and vigorous action of this synod-your committee have thought that they could not do better than to present the following considerations, extracted from the minutes of the Particular Synod of New York, as expressive of their own views, and con

3. That the great commission has as yet been very imperfectly executed.

"4. That the sigus of the times indicate that its accomplishment is near at hand.

"5. That it is to be accomplished by human instrumentality, blessed of God for the purpose. "6. That it is the duty of every denomination, church and Christian, to aid in the great work by any means in their power.

7. That the Reformed Dutch church has never entered into the work with a spirit proportioned to its means or its duty.

"8. That a more favorable opportunity now exists than has, perhaps, ever before occurred, to enter upon it, inasmuch as one of her own sons who has devoted himself to it, is now engaged in exploring hopeful fields of labor, will probably soon return to this country, and might for a season be happily employed in rousing the attention and energies of the church, and enlisting the hearts of our pious young men in the work, and afterwards go forth with him to plant the standard of the cross in heathen lands. To facts and circumstances like these it is fondly hoped our beloved Zion will not be inattentive."

A committee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. G. R. Livingston, D. D., W. M'Murray, D. D., C. C. Cuyler, D. D., and Elders P. D. Vroom and W. R. Thompson, was appointed to confer with the American Board of Commissioners for

Foreign Missions, and ascertain whether some plan cannot be devised which will secure to that Board the full co-operation of the Reformed Dutch Church.

SIXTEENTH REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

THE following are extracts from the Report as published in the Missionary Reporter.

The following is a list of the missionaries and agents who have been engaged in the service of the Board, in the course of the past year, together with their respective fields of labor.

The missionaries and agents have been located as follows: viz. in New York, 45; in New Jersey, 6; in Pennsylvania, 44; in Delaware, 2; in Maryland, 3; in Virginia, 17; in North Carolina, 17; in South Carolina, 3; in Georgia, 3; in Alabama, 4; in Ohio, 52; in Kentucky, 11; in Tennessee, 13; in Indiana, 14; in Illinois, 9; in Mississippi, 3; in Louisiana, 2; in Missouri, 2; in Florida, 1; in Arkansas Territory, 1; in Michigan Territory, 2; in Lower Canada, 1; in North Western Territory, 1.

Of these two hundred and fifty-six missionaries, a large proportion are pasters or stated sup plies. A small number have been commissioned as itinerants for limited periods, with a special view to the collection and organization of new congregations and churches, and about twenty have been employed in special agencies for the

Board. A majority of these agents have volun- || teered their services, for short periods of time, and, by their efforts, the auxiliaries and funds of the Board have been considerably increased.

The number of missionaries and agents, in commission at the date of our last report was 166; and the appointments since made are 90; making a total of 256 laborers who have been employed, in the course of the last year. The ordinary appropriation to each missionary, as heretofore, has been $100 a year. To some of our missionaries a smaller sum than this has been appropriated; few have received more, and in no case, have the Board expended more than $200 for the support of one missionary a year. The amount of labor actually performed by all our missionaries during the last year, is equal to 154 years, and the average expense for each year's labor, including special agencies, the expenses of the office, and the publications of the Board, is about $100. The whole number of congregations and missionary districts supplied, is estimated at 400.

The receipts of the Board since our last report, including a small balance then on hand, have been $20,030 21. The expenditures during the same period have amounted to $19,001 03. leaving a balance in the treasury of $1,029 18. There is due the treasurer for money borrowed, the sum of $3,000, so that the treasury is actually overdrawn to the amount of g1,970 82. In addition to this, the Board are already under engagements to their missionaries for the coming year, to the amount of more than $15,000.

Of sessional auxiliaries, and annual subscriptions to the Board, there has been during the past year a gradual and encouraging increase; but the number of the former, and the amount of the latter, are exceedingly small, either in comparison with the ability of our churches, or the wants of the destitute and perishing. The precise number of auxiliaries we are not able to report; it falls somewhat short, however, of six hundred, when, in the apprehension of your Board, it might, and indeed ought, to exceed a thousand.

The number of Sabbath schools reported by seventy-six missionaries, is two hundred and forty; and the whole number established by all our missionaries, or under their general supervision, is estimated at not less than six hundred; the number of teachers at three thousand; and the number of scholars at twenty thousand. Sixty-six missionaries have reported one hundred and twenty-one catechetical and Bible classes; and the whole number of classes is estimated at three thousand, and the learners at eight thousand.

largement of temperance societies, the success of most of our missionaries has been truly encouraging. The number reported by sixty-eight missionaries, is ninety-two. The whole number of societies is estimated at three hundred and fifty, and the number of members at fifteen thousand.

In the gratuitous distribution of the sacred scriptures, and religious tracts, most of our missionaries have been engaged, to the full extent of the time and resources at their command. Your Board have the pleasure to state, that their facilities for doing good by means of religious tracts, have recently been much increased by the very liberal donation from the American Tract Society, of one hundred and sixty-two dollars worth of tracts to fifty-four of their missionaries.

Seventeen missionaries have reported twenty new churches organized; and twenty-two missionaries have reported twenty-nine houses of worship erected on missionary ground.

In nearly fifty of the congregations, "times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord," have been experienced, and by these most gracious visitations, the hearts of the missionaries have been cheered and strengthened; the saints have been revived; sinners have been convicted, and hopefully converted to God; and, to the feeble missionary churches, thus favored of the Lord, more than one thousand members have been added; to many other churches, served by our missionaries, in which no unusual excitement bas existed, there have been uncommonly large and encouraging accessions; and the whole number of additions, to all the churches under the care of the missionaries, is estimated at not less than two thousand.

When your Board reflect upon the magnitude of the enterprise in which they are engaged, upon the extent of the field yet to be occupied, and upon the undiminished and constantly increasing resources of the Presbyterian Church, they cannot but be humbled and afflicted, that, comparatively, so little has hitherto been done, by that highly favored portion of the household of faith, which they are called to serve, to furnish the perishing poor of our own country, with the bread of life, and the means of salvation. But, when they compare the present with the past, and mark the favorable changes, which have been effected in their own plan of operations, and the correspondent changes in the results of those operations-when they remember, that, in the short space of four years, the missionaries of the Board have been increased from thirty-one to more than two hundred and fifty, and its resources from twenty-four hundred dol lars, to more than twenty thousand-the amount of labor performed, from eight years, to upwards of a hundred and fifty-and that it now enjoys the countenance and co-operation of more than six hundred sessional auxiliaries, and of fiftyseven presbyteries, embracing nearly nine hundred ministers, and fourteen hundred churchesThe missionaries of the Board have been care- when they seriously contemplate these auspi fully instructed, and frequently exhorted, to cious changes, they feel that they have abundant make vigorous and persevering efforts to estab- occasion for gratitude and thanksgiving, to that lish, sustain, and encourage these and all other great and glorious Savior, to whose gracious inbenevolent and religious institutions; and the re- terposition and blessing, they are indebted for all ports which have been received on these sub- their past and present prosperity. The gratitude. jects, afford the most gratifying proof of their of your Board is also increased, and their fidelity and success. There are very few, if hearts are greatly encouraged, when they con any, of the congregations served by our mission- template the amount of good which has been aries, where such societies are not now in suc- effected, in the course of these four years, by the cessful operation. In the organization and en-establishment of three hundred catechetical and

A large majority of these Sabbath schools are in the Valley of the Mississippi, and the most of them have been established within the last two years; and thus the pledge given by the Board to the American Sunday School Union, two years ago, has been redeemed.

VOL. XXVIII.

35

The object to which its attention is to be exclusively directed, is, to promote and execute a plan of colonizing (with their own consent) the free people of color residing in our country, in Africa, or such other place as congress shall deem expedient.

The income of the society has been gradually increasing since its formation, though it never has received assistance from the treasury of the general government. The amount of donations from 1821 to 1828, inclusive, was between $82,000 and $83,000. In 1829, $20,295 61. In 1830, $27,209 39. In 1831, more than $32,000.

Resolutions, approving the object of the society have been passed in the legislatures of the following states, viz.-New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. And most of them have recommended the society to the patronage of the national government.

Bible classes; three hundred and fifty temperance societies; six hundred Sabbath schools; a large number of Bible, tract, missionary, education, and other benevolent associations; by the extensive and gratuitous distribution of the sacred scriptures, and religious tracts; and, above all, by the hopeful conversion and addition to the visible church of nearly five thousand precious souls. In view of these rich and invaluable fruits of their own humble efforts, and the self-denying labors and toils of the missionaries, they have been enabled to employ, your Board cannot but feel, that the benediction of the Master has come upon themselves and their missionaries, and that the "hundred fold" reward has already been bestowed. By past success they would be excited, and they would fain excite their brethren, also, to far more extended and vigorous efforts in future. To such efforts in the cause of domestic missions, all the friends of Zion are prompted by many and powerful motives. On the successful prosecution of this benevolent enterprise, in coming years, the wel- A large number of men, of distinguished emifare of our common country materially depends. nence, in various parts of the union, have warmLet the work of domestic missions be finally ly espoused the cause of the society. Among abandoned, and in less than half a century, this whom are Hon. Charles Carroll, Hon. William now happy land will contain an overwhelming H. Crawford, Hon. Henry Clay, Jeremiah Day, population, not under the restraining influence of D. D., Chief Justice Marshall, Hon. Richard moral and religious principle; and in such an Rush, Rt. Rev. Bishop White, Hon. Theodore event, it requires not the gift of prophecy to fore- Frelinghuysen, Hon. John Cotton Smith, Hon. tell, the almost inevitable and speedy ruin of the Edward Everett, Hon. David L. Morrill, and civil, political, and religious rights and liberties, Hon. Elijah Paine, of Vermont. Gen. La Faywhich were purchased for us by the blood of our ette is a warm friend, and is one of its vice presancestors, and which we now regard as inesti- || idents. mable and unalienable. By our love to our country, therefore, we should be urged onward in our work. A still more powerful motive to the Christian, is, the declarative glory of God, and the salvation of immortal souls; and with the results of missionary operations these are inseparably connected, as we have already seen. Who, then, that bears the name of patriot or Christian, will resist the claims of our holy cause, to his sympathies, his prayers, and his patronage?

Indifference in any man, but especially in professing Christians, must be highly criminal; and persevering opposition must be fatal to the soul. Under the constraining influence of these solemn impressions, the Board would very respectfully and importunately urge upon the Assembly, and, through them, upon all the synods, presbyteries, and sessions under their care, the imperious duty of promptly adopting, and vigorously prosecuting, systematic and efficient measures for the furtherance of the cause of domestic missions.

AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.

THE Massachusetts Colonization Society has
lately published a statement of facts respecting
the national society and the colony at Liberia,
from which we make the following extracts. An
abstract of the last annual Report of the society,
was given at p. 127 of the number for June.

Organization, Object, and Progress of the
Society.

The society was organized at the city of Washington, in the winter of 1816. Previously to this period, nothing of importance had been done to colonize people of color.

Auxiliary societies have been organised in the following states, viz.-Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. There are numerous other societies, of less extent.

Colony at Liberia.

The country called Liberia, extends along the coast one hundred and fifty miles, and reaches twenty or thirty miles into the interior. It is watered by several rivers, some of which are of considerable size. The soil is extremely fertile, and abounds in all the productions of tropical climates. Its hills and plains are covered with perpetual verdure. It would be difficult to find in any country, a region more productive, a soil more fertile. The natives, with very few of the implements of husbandry, without skill, and with but little labor, raise more grain and vegetables than they can consume, and often more than they can sell.

The land on the rivers is of the very best quality, being a rich, light alluvion, equal, in every respect, to the best lands on the southern rivers of the United States.

The

The commerce of the colony is increasing rapidly. The amount for 1831, greatly exceeded that of any previous year. During this year, forty-six vessels entered the port of Monrovia, twenty-one of which were from America. articles of export are rice, palm oil, ivory, gold, shells, dye-wood, &c. The amount of exports the last year was $88,911. Some of the colonists own small vessels, which are employed in the carrying trade between Cape Montserado, and the factories along the shore, under the direction of the government. Some individuals in the colony have already acquired property to the amount of several thousand dollars. Francis

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