If it be said that they are not compelled to emigrate against their wishes--I answer, it is true that direct _physical force_ is not applied; but why are they induced to remove? Is it because they instinctively prefer Africa to their native country? Do they actually _court_ the perils of the sea,--the hostilities of a savage tribe,--the sickening influences of an African climate? Or are they not peremptorily assured that they never can, _and never shall_, enjoy their rights and privileges at home--and thus absolutely compelled to leave all that is dear behind, and to seek a shelter in a strange land--a land of darkness and cruelty, of barbarism and wo? The free people of color, and even the slaves, have on numerous occasions given ocular demonstration of their attachment to this country. Large numbers of them were distinguished for their patient endurance, their ardent devotion, and their valorous conduct during our revolutionary struggle. In the last war, they signalized themselves in a manner which extorted the applause even of their calumniators--of many who are doubtless at the present day representing them as seditious and inimical to the prosperity of the country. I have before me a Proclamation in the French language, issued by General Andrew Jackson, of which the following is a translation: 'PROCLAMATION TO THE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR. 'Soldiers!--When on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to take up arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory of your white fellow citizens, _I expected much from you_; for I was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. _I knew well how you loved your_ NATIVE _country_, and that you had, as well as ourselves, to defend what man holds most dear--his parents, relations, wife, children and property. YOU HAVE DONE MORE THAN I EXPECTED. In addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I found, moreover, among you _a noble enthusiasm_ which leads to the performance of great things. 'Soldiers!--The President of the United States shall hear how praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the Representatives of the American people will, I doubt not, give you the praise your exploits entitle you to. _Your General anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor._ 'The enemy approaches; his vessels cover our lakes; our brave citizens are united, and all contention has ceased among them. Their only dispute is, who shall win the prize of valor, or who the most glory, its noblest reward. 'By order. 'THOMAS BUTLER, _Aid de Camp_.'