AMISTAD AFRICANS AT THE TABERNACLE.

The proposed meeting of the Mendi Africans at the Broadway Tabernacle on Wednesday next, is expected to be an occasion of great interest. They will be accompanied by their teacher who will make interesting statements respecting them. They will read and sing in English and Mendi. << Kinna>> will deliver an address in English, and Cinque in the Mendi language. There will be other exercises appropriate to the occasion. Tickets 50 cents each, can be had at Roe Lockwood, 411 Broadway, A.S. Depository, 131 Nassau street, A.A.S. Society office 143 Nassau st., Seymour Whiting 62 East Broadway, and at the Book store of John S. Taylor, 145 Nassau street, also at the door of the Tabernacle. The avails of the tickets will be exclusively appropriated for the board of the Africans, their instruction, clothing and return to Africa.

The order of exercises will be as follows: -
1. Prayer.
2. Statement of facts by one of the committee.
3. Account of the Africans by Mr. Booth, their teacher.
4. Selections of Scripture to be read by the Africans.

5. Portions of Scripture selected by the audience will be read by the Africans, and answers given by them to questions that may be put by the audience.

6. Singing by the African choir - "When I can read my title clear."

7. Address in English by Kin-na.
8. Address in Mendi by Cinque.

9. Singing by the African choir - "From Greenland's icy mountains" - and a song in their native language - the Mendi.
The doors will be opened at half past 2, and the exercises commence at 3 o'clock precisely

March 27, 1841
THE COLORED AMERICAN
New York, New York

From the American Anti Slavery Reporter.
RECEPTION OF THE NEWS BY THE CAPTIVES.
Extract of a letter from Amos Townsend, Jun., Esq. of
New Haven.

New Haven, 11th March, 1841.

Bless the Lord, for his right hand hath gotten him the victory. The oppressor is confounded, and the oppressed delivered.

Our African friends received the tidings of their deliverance with great joy. Yet their joy was not that tumultuous outbreak of feeling which the first decision of the lower court produced. It was a more Christian-like and dignified gladness, chastened and modified, no doubt, by the remembrance of their former disappointed hopes after being assured of the decision of the Circuit Court.

To the inquiry whether they wished to remain in America or return to Africa? They replied, "ask Cinque." Cinque said, "I think - can't tell now. I think. We talk together and think - then I tell." So that they will hold a council among themselves and decide. I think it probable that many of them would prefer to remain in America. They say "America country good country - America people good people - set we free."

---

An eye witness gives the following statement. Intelligence was expected from Washington on Thursday the 11th. The Africans had been informed that the decision of the court might be expected. For days previous they had shown much anxiety, and this day their feelings were greatly excited, so much so that they called to persons who were passing by the prison to make inquiries. The Marshal and the Jailor, on receiving the New York newspapers, rode over to Westville, two miles, to communicate the intelligence to the Africans. They were all assembled in one room, and on a signal from Cinque were seated, with the deepest anxiety depicted on their countenances. The Marshal then said, "The big court has come to a decision - they say that you - one and all - are free, and no slaves." Cinque immediately said, "Me glad - me thank American men - me glad." He then spoke to his countrymen in their native language. They laughed and began to talk in the Mendi tongue. The Marshal addressed Cinque and inquired, "You want to go home to Africa!" Cinque said, "I don't know - I think one or two days - then say - we all talk - think of it - then me say." The Marshal then showed them a newspaper, and said, "Here it is in this paper - read it." Cinque beckoned to little Ka-le to read it aloud, but looked doubtingly, and said "paper lie sometimes." << Kinna>> said - "me do as Cinque say - we all do as he say - me little - Cinque big - Cinque he know - I don't know - Cinque he great man - he get us all free - he President." "Yes," said Grabeau, "he President of the poor."

Rev. H.G. Ludlow and Mr. Townsend now arrived. Mr. L. said he wanted to speak to them a few moments. "Cinque," said he, "I want you, and all of you, to know that Christ has watched over you - raised up friends for you - and inclined the court to decide favorably, &c." They said, "we very glad - love Jesus Christ - He over all - we thank Him." They then, with all the pious friends present, knelt while Mr. Ludlow offered solemn prayer and thanksgiving to God. At the close they all gave a hearty Amen. Amen.

December 4, 1841
THE COLORED AMERICAN
New York, New York

DEPARTURE OF THE MENDIANS - FAREWELL MEETING. - The time fixed upon by the committee, for the departure of our Mendi brethren for their native home, having come, and arrangements having been made, we were last week favored with a visit from the whole surviving number, preparatory to their leaving the shores of America. Of the whole number that landed in this country, nine have died, leaving thirty-five to return home, accompanied by six missionaries, two men with their wives, and one brother unmarried. One man and his wife are colored, the rest are white.

These brethren having now been in our country more than twenty-seven months, and many of them having visited our principal cities, and some other places, and having seen much of the usages and ways of the country, and heard more, and having been visited in different places by large numbers of people, many of whom have become attached to them, and having been taught to read - had unfolded to their minds the wonders of divine revelation, and many new and vital things, they had become attached to their friends, and those who had taught and aided and stood by them; still their tie to men and things here had not become so great, but that, from the least to the greatest of them, they were exceedingly elated with the prospect and expectation of leaving soon for their native home. The distance to journey was no distance to them; the perils to be encountered, whether by sea or land, were all lost in the prospect and ardent longings for kindred and home. The terrors of the ocean were no longer terrors them. They were soon to depart for their native home, and were as happy as any class could be under the circumstances.

On Sabbath afternoon, the 21st ult., they attended church at the 1st Colored Presbyterian Church, (Rev. Mr. Wright's,) at which time a missionary sermon was preached by Rev. J.W.C. Pennington, of Hartford, Ct., and a collection taken in behalf of the Missionaries, and a farewell taken of the brethren by Mr. Wright, in behalf of the Church, in an address to Cinque, as the representative of his brethren.

In the evening, notice having been given during the day, in other Churches, they assembled in the Broadway Tabernacle, in a general farewell meeting; and at an early hour, the spacious building was not only filled, and every seat occupied, but there was scarcely a place, either above stairs or below, or in a single aisle, or excepting in the two front corners of the building, even for the sole of one's foot; and hundreds went away, unable to find a place either to sit or to stand.

The meeting was conducted, after the usual ceremonies of prayer and singing, by some remarks by Mr. A.F. Williams, of Farmington, Conn., upon the history of the brethren, from the time of their leaving Havana to this period, and by exercises in reading, spelling and singing by the Mendi people; a speech from << Kinna>> , and one from Cinque, in the Mendi language, interpreted by << Kinna>> , an admirable address by Rev. Mr. Andrews, the pastor of the Tabernacle, in behalf of the Mission, and an eloquent charge to the Missionaries, by brother S.S. Jocelyn, one of the committee who have had them in charge. The meeting was of the most interesting and affecting character; and after hundreds on hundreds had shaken hands with Cinque, the immense audience dispersed.

On Tuesday evening, arrangements having been made, they held a meeting at Zion's Church, in Leonard street, in order to give the colored people a better opportunity to have a farewell interview with the Mendi brethren, and to give them a favorable greeting; and by eight o'clock every part of the body of the house, both above stairs and below, was filled to overflowing, not a spot large enough for one's feet, the pulpit and pulpit stairs not excepted, but what was occupied.

The meeting was conducted, after prayer and singing, and some remarks respecting the Mendi people, by Mr. Williams, of Farmington, where they had last resided, respecting their good conduct there, the attachment of the people of that place to them, and the very affecting scene on the morning of their leaving Farmington, when the people came to bid them farewell, and by exercises in reading, spelling and singing by the Mendians, as in the Tabernacle; and by a speech from << Kinna>> , James Covey, the interpreter, and by Cinque, in his own language, interpreted by << Kinna>> , much more in detail than at the meeting in the Tabernacle. The meeting was also eloquently addressed by Rev. Theodore S. Wright, setting forth the claims of Africa upon the Christians of America, and urging upon them the claims of the Mendi mission. He was followed by a few spontaneous remarks by J.C. Morel, of Newark, N.J. Rev. Mr. Jocelyn then gave an extemporaneous charge to the missionaries, most eloquent and to the point, and read an excellent letter from the Hon. John Quincy Adams, addressed to Cinque, tendering his thanks for the elegant Bible presented by him and his brethren. A collection was then taken up, amounting to upwards of $60.

Seldom have we witnessed a larger audience of our people than on that occasion, although the audience was not exclusively made up of colored people; and seldom have we attended a meeting of greater interest and of deeper feeling that was that. The people reluctantly withdrew at a very late hour.

The whole company, accompanied by the missionaries and the committee, went on board on Thursday morning, and dropped down to Staten Island, the weather not being suitable to proceed to sea, when Mr. Lewis Tappan addressed the missionaries and the Mendians at length; after which Cinque arose and addressed himself to Mr. Tappan, to the missionaries, and to his brethren, and then called << Kinna>> to interpret, the amount of which seemed to be a rehearsal of the attention of the committee to them, with gratitude, and a pledge on the part of the Mendi people, to protect the missionaries, if they proceed to Mendi with them, saying, in amount, "If missionary go to Mendi, any thing happen to missionary, then blame the Mendi people; Mendi people take the responsibility. But if missionary stop at Sierra Leone, and not go to Mendi, and any thing happen to missionary, then blame the missionary - missionary then take the responsibility." Now is there nothing intelligent and shrewd about this? Who could have said more? The ship put to sea on Saturday morning, with a fine breeze, and our Mendi brethren are now floating upon the ocean, towards their native home; and we commit them to Him whom the winds and the waves obey, and who is able, and we trust will carry them securely to their destined haven, to the bosom of their friends. And who can contemplate that meeting but with peculiar emotion?

August 14, 1841
THE COLORED AMERICAN
New York, New York

THE CONVENTIONS.

They are soon to be held. A voice comes to us on every gale, appealing in their behalf. The Missionary Convention is to be held on the 18th of the present month. Need we urge its claims on the Christian heart? Need we address ourselves to the Christian understanding? The millions of heathen Africa, asking for the bread of life, rise up before you! Her graven images and false gods tell you of her religious destitution - her superstitions and baneful customs call you to her assistance. Can the Christian stand placid and stoical, while he beholds the homage due to the true and living God, given to blocks of wood or stone? Can he approvingly or silently behold a whole nation, for the want of knowledge, continually violating that law which says, "Thou shalt have no other Gods but me?" Can he live in the enjoyment of religious privileges, teaching and influence, and yet refuse to put forth his hand to extend a portion of it to his "neighbor?" These questions require to be answered in the light of reason and duty.

The Missionary Convention summons you to consider this important branch of duty. A gleam of hope for reaching the heart of bleeding Africa, presents itself. You can now apply the healing balm. The noble and enlightened Mendians will conduct you to the homes of their "mother," and the brave Cinque will protect any devoted Christian that will accompany him to "where the sun rises." << Kinna>> and Covey will join you, and the time will be shortened when Africa shall "bow the knee" to none but the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

We call upon all who desire the conversion of a benighted continent, to attend this Convention.

PENNSYLVANIA.

The land of Penn, Benezet, and Franklin, has taken up the rod of oppression, and forty thousand of her citizens are deprived of their rights. The 23d of the present month is the day appointed for the oppressed to assemble in convention, for the adoption of such measures as will be calculated to remove the disability under which they labor. An appeal has gone forth, and every object of outrage and wrong has been summoned to assemble in person or by representation. Let every person against whom the fiat has gone forth, remember that Pennsylvania is the "Key Stone" State of political power. Let him remember that she borders on, and holds an important relation to several slave-owning States. Let him remember that the influence of slavery will extend from the slave States into Pennsylvania, and that the influence of freedom will extend from Pennsylvania into the slave-owning States. Let each one do this, and then ask himself his duty. Let him call to mind what Pennsylvania was in the scale of freedom, and let him consider what Pennsylvania is in the same scale. He will observe retrograde steps, to be accounted for in the pro-slavery influence exerted upon her, and the inactivity of past professed friends of liberty. The tide of political wrong must be arrested, or it will overwhelm its victims in misery and crime. No expedient will be left untried by the pro-slavery and colonization party, (for they are one and the same,) to render the lot of the colored inhabitants of the State too hard to be borne. Let it be remembered that already measures have been introduced into the Legislature of that State, to place other legal restraints upon colored men, since they have been disfranchised. The crisis calls for action - determined, immediate action. Let the Convention speak the sentiments of the entire oppressed population of Pennsylvania. We know that if differences of opinion exist about matters that are nonessential in this controversy - or if an earnestness in this cause may have carried some a little too far on the one hand, or any offence might have been taken on the other - why these will be overcome in every bosom that pants for freedom, and uprising above mere feeling, every thing of evil will be sacrificed on the altar of right, and the good of the people will animate every soul. Go to the Convention, friends - it is the cause of freedom, of right, and justice that beckons you onward.

NEW YORK.

Here we have put our hand to the plough, and we dare not look back. Our grievance has been stated - our stand has been taken. The efforts that have already been made have been followed with some success. Our petitions have had a favorable report in the Legislature, and the best influence of the State has been exerted in our favor. Any relaxation of effort now or hereafter would be political suicide. The 25th day of August is appointed for the holding of a Convention at Troy, of all citizens friendly to the extension of the elective franchise. The successful efforts of the friends of freedom cannot fail to inspire hope for the future. No citizen of New York can now hold a slave in it, nor others bring their slaves and retain them in bondage, as formerly. "The empire breaks her galling chains." Let every city, town, village and hamlet be represented. Call upon your friends and neighbors to attend the Convention, and make another effort to remove a dark spot from our State constitution. Up, fellow citizens, up, and listen to the "voice" that comes on

"Each breeze that blows o'er Hudson's tide,
Calling loudly on your birth-right pride,"
"To vow, no more to sleep, 'till rais'd and freed
From partial bondage, to a life indeed."
J.

May 22, 1841
THE COLORED AMERICAN
New York, New York

MEETINGS OF THE LIBERATED AFRICANS.

We announced in our last, that the meeting of these brethren at the Tabernacle on Wednesday, the 12th inst., was equalled in interest by no meeting during the week, and was numerously attended. The proceedings were as follows:

The Hon. James G. Birney was called to the chair. The throne of grace was addressed by the Rev. Christopher Rush, after which Mr. Lewis Tappan proceeded to apologize to the audience of the absence of the Hon. John Quincy Adams, who was expected to be present, by announcing that he was detained at home, in writing out his argument in their defence. He next stated the object of the meeting to be, to show first, the improvement these brethren had made since they have been in this country - to raise money for their support and education during their further stay among us - to aid in sending them home, when they shall have got the necessary information preparatory to so doing, and to excite the sympathy of the public in relation to the establishment of a mission, which it is hoped will grow out of this case.

Mr. Booth, their teacher, next proceeded to make some statements, giving an account of the success which had attended his efforts to instruct them. He related many incidents respecting them, which had come under his own observation. He also related some things which he learned from them in regard to their native country - that the people live in small houses - have laws - are hospitable and honest - that the son, when old enough, does the work for his father, he himself retiring from nay further labor, and that the children always live with their parents.

The Africans next read twice round from the New Testament, by which they showed the success with which they had mastered our language, as well as the proficiency they had made in learning to read. While some had done better than others, they all had succeeded beyond all human expectation. Only reflect, they had first to learn the language of the country, before they could understand, so as to receive instruction, and having been here but 19 months, and only having had a teacher constantly since October last, and now to read with ease n the New Testament, is amazing. Who could have outdone them? They sung two hymns in English with great melody and harmony, and sung, also, two of their native songs. - << Kinna>> , an amiable looking youth about 18 years old, and who has been hopefully converted, made an address in English, giving the history of their captivity, and making many remarks as to what he considered to be the American character. Cinque made an address in his native language, with great energy, and appealing occasionally to his associates for proof, and who always responded. When Cinque arose at any time, great bursts of applause resounded from all parts of the house.

The meeting on the Thursday following, in the same place, was well attended, and in some respects, we are informed, was more interesting than the former one. - We were unable to attend, but learn that the proceedings were about the same as on Wednesday, with some additional questions put to << Kinna>> by persons in the audience, and which, on account of the readiness and correctness with which he answered them, quite astonished the assembly.

The following Friday, another meeting was held, by request, in the church, corner of Thompson and Houston streets, and which was crowded. The exercises were the same as at the previous meetings, so far as time would allow, and the audience was equally interested in the proceedings, as at the former meetings.

On Monday evening last, another meeting was held by request in Zion Church, corner of Church and Leonard streets. The audience was principally made up of colored people, and we do not recollect of ever having seen a larger assemblage of our people upon any occasion. - Messrs. Tappan and Booth were more brief in their statements than at the Tabernacle, but the Africans were more interesting, we thought, than at any of the previous meetings. << Kinna>> in giving a history of his being taken from his own country, of his being carried to Cuba, and the scene on board the Amistad, &c., stated, "you are my brethren, the same color as myself," and seemed to feel himself at home, and his address was exceedingly concise, distinct and happy. James Covey, also, the interpreter, who came from the same country, though in another vessel, made an admirable address, which drew tears from nearly every eye, and the manner in which he quoted and illustrated Scripture was amazing, and would serve as quite a lesson to a learned divine.

These meetings all have excited great attention, and have been of an exceedingly interesting character. The one at the Tabernacle on Wednesday, we regarded as a consuming fire to prejudice. We do not believe that any went away with the same views, and the same feelings in relation to any one in whose veins courses African blood. The event of the landing of these brethren upon our shores is to be, not without its beneficial effect, as well to the colored population of this country, as it promises to be to ill-fated Africa

November 20, 1841
THE COLORED AMERICAN
New York, New York

For the Colored American.

MR. EDITOR - My last letter informed you that I was not yet through my visit at Middletown, Conn., and that I hoped to be able to do considerable more for our journal, &c. My expectations were not fully realized, yet I did very well, considering the hard times, and the few working men and women that they have got. Four or five of them have to do most all the work in both Church and State, whilst others do comparatively nothing, yet participate equally in the benefits; still, the cause of improvement is onward, and a brighter day is dawning. Brother P. Ross is with them as pastor, and notwithstanding he is a small man, he has a large heart, and a strong voice, and believes in going right ahead in religion, temperance, education, and all the rights of his master's down-trodden and poor.

The spirit of Colonization in Middletown is still unwilling to go down, yet it is dying.

As usual, you will perceive that I have been walking in the city of the dead, (the grave yard.) I was accompanied by brethren Ross, Jeffrey, and Hanson. - Tombstones tell such hard stories, we did not know whether to believe the following or not, which we found on two of them. Perhaps you can tell us, as Middletown used to be your place of residence:

1. "In memory of Jenney, the servant of the Rev. Enoch Huntington, and the wife of Mark Winthrop - who died April 28, 1784. On the day of her death, she was Mr. Huntington's property"!!

2. "In memory of Cato, servant of Lamberton Cooper, who died Sept. 4, 1804, in the 17th year of his age."

Do you think they were used well? Methinks eternity will tell!

On the 18th I went to Hartford, Conn., and did up our business as near as I could; and on the 28th went to New Haven to attend the installation of brother Beman the same afternoon. I was not acquainted with all the clergy who took part in the exercises; therefore cannot give a full report. But the scene was solemn, beautiful, and interesting. The Rev. T.S. Wright, of your city, preached the sermon, and it was one of his happiest efforts. His text was, "I am not ashamed of the gospel." When he came to that part where The bleeding slave is to be the preacher's client, no quill is competent to give a description of his burning eloquence. It appeared to me that all might have raised on their feet. In breathless silence, every eye was upon him, as if to see how far in divine sublimity he was going before he stopped. Rev. Mr. Ludlow gave the charge to the pastor; it was very plain, but solemn and affecting. In the course of his remarks, he said that a farmer was asked once, how it was that he always had such fine sheep: he replied, because I take good care of my lambs. Then, says Mr. L., you must be sure to take good care of your lambs, and you will always have a fine flock of sheep. He said, you must write at least one sermon a week, and always have something new, or a variety, and to preach plain and simple, so that the weakest in the church may comprehend, &c. Rev. Mr. Pennington, of Hartford, Conn., gave the charge to the people; and I must say that I never heard such a charge, and I doubt whether bro. B.'s people ever did. He put in his scythe, and never stopped, crooked or turned, until he got through, and came down from the pulpit. He walked into the domestic circle of the church just as if he was at home, and like a father, he told them how wicked it was for members to complain as some do sometimes, about their pastor going abroad, and his not visiting them as much as they think he ought to, &c. He said, it sometimes happens that those who complain most were the ones who were in debt to the church or pastor, and consequently were contributing to their pastor's embarrassment. He also told them how beautiful and delightful it was to dwell together in unity. He was very solemn and affectionate, as he most always is, but sharp as a two-edged sword. Brother Beman pronounced the benediction. In the evening we had a great temperance meeting, which was addressed by the following gentlemen: Rev. Messrs. Pennington, Wright, Ludlow, Gloucester, Ross, and my humble self. During the afternoon and evening it was good to be there. May heaven's richest blessings rest upon brother B. and his church, and help him to take good care of his lambs, so that he may always have a fine flock of sheep. On Thursday, the 29th ult., two stage loads of us went to Bridgeport, to attend the Conn. State Temperance Society. It was not so large as I expected, yet it was a great meeting. Notwithstanding the storm, the presence of seventy ladies from abroad, as well as the city of Bridgeport, added much to the life of the Convention. One lady hired a horse and carriage to bring her intemperate husband up to the shrine of teetotalism; and, joy to tell, he was broke down, and like a man, he threw off the shackles of rum, and stepped forward, in tears of true repentance, as we believe, and signed the pledge! And a happier couple I don't know as I ever saw. I saw him the next day, still rejoicing. Bridgeport is a handsome place, and the people know how to entertain strangers. I think that the Convention next year ought to be held there again, as I do not think that it was generally known. I hope that brother Norris and those whose business it is, will see to it. Our friends in Hartford are as warm as ever in the cause of improvement of every kind. Our Methodist brethren are making a mighty effort to get them a meeting house. They have purchased the ground, and made one payment on it. May the Lord prosper them, I know you will say. I got a few new subscribers of the right kind, young men and women; our old ones who did not settle with me, promised to send you the money soon. My visit to Farmington, to see Mr. Prince, our abolition friends, and the noble Cinque and his comrades, will never be forgotten. Mr. Norton is delighted with our journal; he keeps it upon his table, among the rest of his periodicals, as a badge of his identity with the cause of the bleeding slave. I would that our abolition friends in general would emulate his example - toe right up to practical anti-slavery. How the cause would advance, while the slaveholder would be trembling. Most all in the village are anti-slavery, but not all of the right kind. I visited the Mendians every day while in town, and it would do your heart and soul good to sit and see them learn while their teacher, Mr. Raymond, is instructing them. When they come to a hard word, soon as they find out what it is, so that they understand it, they all laugh right out loud, it makes them so glad; and so they are going ahead. In my next, I shall tell you something more about Farmington and New Haven.

I know you will rebuke me for writing so long a letter, but I ask your pardon, and hope you will grant it without abridging my letter, as your clerk did before. I will no close, if you will please to record the names of Cinque and his comrades, in connection with this letter, that they may be a matter of history, and our journal graced with such illustrious names, to hand down to posterity:

Cinque, the Chief; << Kinna>> ; Ka-li, (Wu-lu;) Little Fu-li, (Wa;) Large Bar-tu; Ful-li, (Wu-lu;) Fa-ban-na; Fa-gin-na; ban-na, (Wa:) Si-si; So-ko-ma; Kong; Sa; Grab-eau; Ya-boi; Na-qua, or Na-kwoi; Ber-ri; Yang-o-ni; Ban-yai-ye; Dam-ma; Ba; Fa-kin-na; Pi-e; Molu; Kimbo; Kali, (Wa;) Su-ma, Shu-li; Ban-na, (Wu-lu;) Pu-ngwaw-ni; Kon-o-ma; Ba-u. The names of the girls are, Mar-gru; Te-me; Ken-yeh. The name of the one that was drowned is Fo-ni.

I expect to leave Hartford for Springfield, at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Adieu.

W.P. JOHNSON.