Using for letter paper the blank space of the printed New Jersey petition, Finley wrote Cuffe on December 5 from Washington City. Cuffe was in this way put in touch with Finley's past activities and with his present exertions. "Many indulge," he wrote, "a hope that could the more virtuous of our own free people of color be removed to the coast of Africa, with their own consent, to carry with them their arts, their industry, and above all, their knowledge of Christianity and the fear of God, great and lasting benefits would arise to the people of _Africa itself_. Knowing that you have been to _Sierra Leone_ and must be well acquainted with the state and prospects of the colony, we beg of you such information as you may be able to give on the following heads: "1. What is the present population of the settlements of Sierra Leone, and what its prospects of happiness and growth? "2. What is the nature of the soil and what the advantage for settlement on the coast of Africa from Sierra Leone to the equator? "3. Are there any navigable rivers in the country called Guinea, or any positions where a good harbor might be formed along the coast? "4. In the region above alluded to, are there any European regular settlements, or does it contain any slave factories? "5. Whether in your opinion is there any other situation in Africa where the contemplated settlement or settlements could be formed with greater advantage than in the district mentioned above? "The great desire of those whose minds are impressed with this subject," says Finley, "is to give an opportunity to the free people of color to rise to their proper level and at the same time to provide a powerful means of putting an end to the slave trade, and sending civilization and Christianity to Africa."[54] Another active member of the group at Washington was Samuel J. Mills, whose devotion to missionary activity is almost unequaled in history. The origin of the American Bible Society, the United Foreign Missionary Society, and the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, is attributed to him. Writing to Cuffe, March 17, 1817, Mills said: "Your two voyages to Africa have been of great service in preparing the public mind for an attempt to colonize your colored brethren and probably much is depending on your future assistance as it respects the success of efforts of this kind. I hope you will hold yourself in a state of readiness to aid any great efforts which may hereafter be made." He wanted to know: 1. In what manner would a request from our government for liberty to send free people of color to Sierra Leone be received by the English government? 2. Should the request be granted, would the Americans have equal privileges to trade to the colony?