NOTE.--I should not close this part of my report without stating that,
during the year 1858, Mr. Myers wrote to the Royal Geographical Society,
London; Thomas Clegg, Esq., Manchester; Dr. Livingstone, and perhaps
others, all over _my name_ as secretary and himself chairman. The
letters referred to were written (without my knowledge) by a son of Mr.
Myers; and I only mention the fact here because I am unwilling to claim
the honor of the authorship of correspondence carried on through a lad
of sixteen years of age.
IV
ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION IN LIBERIA
Arrival in Africa
Saturday, July 10th.--I landed on the beach at Grand Cape Mount,
Robertsport, in company with Messrs. the Hon. John D. Johnson, Joseph
Turpin, Dr. Dunbar, and Ellis A. Potter, amid the joyous acclamations of
the numerous natives who stood along the beautiful shore, and a number
of Liberians, among whom was Reverend Samuel Williams, who gave us a
hearty reception. Here we passed through the town (over the side of the
hill), returning to the vessel after night.
Monrovia
Monday, July 12th.--The roadstead of Monrovia was made about noon, when
I, in company with B. E. Castendyk, Esq., a young German gentleman
traveling for pleasure, took lodgings at Widow Moore's, the residence of
Rev. John Seys, the United States consular agent, and commissioner for
recaptured Africans.
On the day after my arrival, the following correspondence took place:
Residence of the United States Consular Agent Monrovia, Liberia,
July 12th, 1859
To His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Liberia:
SIR--By a Convention of Colored People of the United States and the
Canadas, Martin R. Delany, Robert Douglass, Robert Campbell, Amos
Aray, and James W. Purnell, were appointed as Commissioners under
the name of the 'Niger Valley Exploring Party,' to make an
Exploration through different parts of Africa.
I have arrived, Sir, near your Government, and expect soon to meet
other members of the party. Any aid, orally, documentary, or in the
person of an Official Commissioner, which you may please to give to
facilitate the mission in Liberia will be gratefully and highly
appreciated. I ask the favor of an interview with your Excellency,
either privately or in Cabinet Council, or with any other gentlemen
that the occasion may suggest, at such time as may be designated.
I am happy, Sir, of the opportunity of giving your Excellency
assurance of my most distinguished consideration.
M. R. DELANY
His Excellency, President Benson. Government House, Monrovia,
July 13, 1859
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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