1836 Anthony D. Williams, agent. January. Thomas Buchanan arrived; in charge of Bassa settlements. 1837 Gov. I. F. C. Finley arrived; in charge of Mississippi in Africa. 1838 Greenville established. September 10. Gov. Finley murdered. New Constitution drawn up by Prof. Greenleaf, Harvard College; “Commonwealth of Liberia.” 1839 A. D. Williams gives up agency; Thomas Buchanan, governor. Tradetown war. 1840 Boporo-Golah war=Gatumba’s war: Gen. Roberts. Difficulty with Rev. John Seyes, in charge of the Methodist Episcopal Mission. English settlement threatens complications. 1841 September 3. Gov. Buchanan died. Joseph Jenkin Roberts, governor. 1842 France attempts to secure Liberian foothold; Cape Mount, Bassa Cove, Butu, Garawé. 1843 February 22. Treaty with Golah. 1844- Strengthening of Liberian position, by purchase and treaty. 1845 6% ad valorem duty established; in Maryland as well; agreement between Roberts and Russwurm. 1844 Roberts visited the United States; American squadron visited Liberia. 1845 The _Little Ben_ seized; the _John Seyes_ seized from Benson; United States inquiry. 1846 January. American Colonization Society decides to grant self-government. Continued land-purchasing from natives. Release and “apprenticeship” of slaves. October 7. Vote on Independence; opposition in Grand Bassa. 1847 July 8. Day of Thanksgiving. 26. Declaration of Independence; Constitution. August 4. Flag hoisted; recognition by Great Britain. October. Joseph Jenkin Roberts elected president; installed January 3, 1848. 1848 England, France, Prussia recognition. President Roberts visited Europe. Lord Ashley raised £2,000 for purchasing lands of Mattru, Gumbo, Gallinhas, Manna, etc. British admiralty presented The Lark. 1849 Roberts re-elected president; Robertsport founded at Cape Mount. February 26. English treaty ratified. Portugal, Sardinia, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, Brazil, Hamburg, Bremen, Lubeck, Haiti, recognized republic. March. New Cesters slavers cleaned up and region annexed. September 19. Ralph Gurley arrived at Cape Mount; report printed in 1850. 1850 Two German trading houses established; Vai, Dey and Golah quarrelling. 1851 British Consul appointed; Mr. Hanson. Roberts: third term. Edward Wilmot Blyden arrived. Interior troubles; Boporo. Grando war at Grand Bassa. Native troubles in Maryland. Governor Russwurm died; S. M. McGill, governor of Maryland. 1852 Roberts visited France and England. 1853 Roberts: fourth term.