Brig Lime Rock, arrived Monrovia 6 May 1844

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Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Monrovia, Montserrado, Liberia

Surnames/tags: Wallace Kentucky_Colonization_Society Liberia

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About this page

Thomas Wallace (abt.1790-bef.1841) of Flemingsburg, KY in his will freed his 18 slaves with the stipulation that they emigrate to Liberia. The American Colonization Society published records of The African Repository regarding the emancipated people. This page consists of the published records that refer to Wallace and those he freed, the brig Lime Rock on which they sailed to Liberia on March 4, 1844, arriving in May 1844.

Secondary Sources

The American Colonization Society by Early Lee Fox, published 1919, dissertation, John Hopkins Unversity, Baltimore, MD ^[1]

"In 1842 Thomas Wallace, deceased, left by will fourteen slaves free on the condition of their going to the colony.

Fox's Reference was the Letters of the American Colonization Society, L W Andey, Flemingsburg, KY Sept 1842.

PhD thesis of Dawn Dennis: The Mississippi Colonial Experience in Liberia, 1829-1861; The Racial Ideology of Uplift Suasion; DRAFT (2018)

On 10 March, 1844, seventy freed slaves from the Reed estate were aboard the brig Lime Rock, and settled in and around Greenville, in the Blue Barre region of Sinoe Country, published in the PhD thesis of Dawn Dennis: The Mississippi Colonial Experience in Liberia, 1829-1861; The Racial Ideology of Uplift Suasion; DRAFT (2018) ^[2]

Her reference for this statement is Charles Synor, Slavery in Mississippi, who on p 229 writes ^[3]:

The Reed negroes sent to Africa by Butler and Duncan composed all but twenty of the ninety-two Mississippi emigrants on the brig “Lime Rock,” which sailed from New Orleans on March 10, 1844. The cost of returning the entire ninety-two, including provisions for the first six months in Africa, amounted to at least $5,394.80. The “Lime Rock” was two months on its journey, anchoring at Monrovia on May sixth. Two of the emigrants died at sea; nineteen settled at Monrovia; and the others, presumably the Reed negroes, went down to Sinoe and settled in the Mississippi colony in and about Greenville

Synod's reference is The African Repository. Volume XX, pp. 284-286, but an examination of the previous year's volumes reveals the fuller story of the emancipated slaves from Flemingsburg, KY as well as their ship mates on the brig Lime Rock.

African Repository, Donations recorded from Flemingsburg

Oct 1840
Donation recorded from Flemingsburg - A R P Church, H Mayne $5

October 1842
Kentucky, Annual collection in the ARP church per Hugh Mayne, Pastor, $5

The African Repository, Volume 17, 1841

Washington City, November 1, 1841
"As this is a much smaller number than we expected to send out at this time, our friends will like to know the reason of the failure. We expected eighteen from Flemingsburg, KY, who had the privilege of going to Liberia, left them by the will of their late master. But just as we expected them to start for Norfolk, a suit was instituted, which will now detain them till it is decided."^[4]

Twenty Fifth Annual Report, Feb 1842

Page 52

"Eighteen slaves in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, had, by the will of their deceased master, the privilege of going to Liberia, and they were all anxious to go, and it was necessary that they should go at that time." Also there were…
20 from Richmond VA
Some in NC
8 from Trenton NJ
A total of 58
"But just as those in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, were about to start from home, a suit was instituted against the estate, which rendered it impossible for them to leave at that time. We received the intelligence only a few days befor the vessel was to sail. And, as "misfortunes come not single," after the preparations for departure of those from Richmond had been made, and they were expecting to leave the next day, obstacles were thrown in the way of their leaving, by an undecided suit in the Court of Appeals, which compelled the high-minded and honorable executor to abandon all hope of sending them at that time."

The African Repository and Colonial Journal - Volume 19, 1843

page 201

June 1843
Eighteen slaves in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, to whom freedom was bequeathed by their late master, are expected, should means be secured, to accompany this expedition. They are liable to be sold if not sent before the close of the year.

page 201

July 1843 Massachusetts society
"A vessel has already been charted to convey to Liberia about 180 of the 130 slaves left by the will of Mrs. Read, of Mississippi, in trust to two gentelment of that State, with provision our of her estate for their emigration. With these, it is hoped the eighteen, to whom freedom was bequeathed by the late Thomas Wallace of Flemingsburg, Kentucky will take passage.

The African Repository and Colonial Journal, volume XX, 1844

Pages 127-128; Contributions; April 1844 ^[5]

EXPEDITION FOR LIBERIA
The Brig "Lime Rock" sails form New Orleans for Monrovia and Sinous, Liberia, on the 10th installment of. She had on board ninety-two emigrants for the colony; of whom seventy-two were sent out by Ddr. S Dunan and Rev. X Butler, of Mississippi; fourteen were from Flemingsburg, Ky, liberated the the will of the late Thomas Wallace; and six were from the city of New Orleans.

They were well supplied with provisions and all the articles necessary for the comfort and happiness in the colony. A corespondent writing from New Orleans, under date 9th installment. Says; "I have this day visited the Lime Rock as she lies at anchor in the river just below the city, in the company with three clergymen, each of whom performed part of some of the most interesting exercises I have had the pleasure of witnessing for some time past. The emigrants ap heard very well, and seems quite happy in anticipation of going. They are well furnishd with births below, and temporary house on the deck, covers nearly the whole of the deck. They are all provided with what er and provision, and certainly have every prospect of a safe and comfortable voyage."

Page 212, Massachusetts Colonization Society July 1844

Thomas Wallace of Kentucky, had liberated 18 salves, on condition of their emigrating to Liberia within one year. After various lawsuits, &c., to detain them, 14 of them sailed in the brig Lime Rock form New Orleans, on the 10th of April last. Of the four remaining, one had died, one had married, and the freedom of the others had been purchased their neighbors, and they remained in the country. An expedition sailed for New Orleans, on the 10th of March, with 93 emigrants.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM LIBERIA
By the arrival of the "Lime Rock" at New Orleans one the 26th of July, we are put in possession of news from the Colony up to the 25th of May.
We insert below, extracts from the letters received:
General Lewis in charge of the Society's affairs by Governor Roberts, on his departure for America.
Dr. Lugenbeef
Captan Auld of the Lime Rock

Page 283

SINOE, GREENVILLE
May 20th, 1844
REV. AND DEAR SIR: -- I beg to inform you the brig Lime Rock, of New Orleans, anchored at Monrovia on the 6th inst., after a passage of fifty five days, and brought us ninety emigrants; two of the original number died on the passage.

According to your letter to Governor Roberts, per barque Pilot and the instructions of Mr. Bartlett, who fitted out the vessel, I permitted the emigrants from Kentucky, to land at Monrovia. (Nineteen in number) and after landing the best part of the lumber and some stores, I left with the brig on the afternoon of the 10th, and on the morning of the 16th, after burying a poor woman who died of the consumption, anchored at this place.

Just before the brig weighed anchor, to leave Monrovia for this place, one of the male emigrants jumped overboard, and was drowned. It was thought by those who knew him that he was laboring under some mental disease. The rest of the emigrants are on shore here, in good health, and with cheerful countenances; they seem to be laboring set, and if they work one-half as much as they say they will, the will live comfortably.

Dr. Lugenbeel came down with me, and will remain with the emigrants.
I am afraid I will not be able to write you as long a letter as I wish, as the stores will be all landed to day, and in the evening the brig will set sail for New Orleans. The Captain promises to take me up to Monrovia, and lay off until I can get on shore. You know his voyage ends at this place, when the last boat-load leaves the vessel. I should prefer remaining here some four days longer, to arrange all things to my satisfaction. As it is, it cannot be, as 1 know of no way of getting home, if I suffer the vessel to leave without me. However, I shall be very explicit in my instructions which 1 shall leave with Mr. Richard E. Murray, who I have left in charge of the Society's affairs at this place. He is a very worthy man, and I doubt not but what he will give perfect satisfaction. He came from Monrovia herein the "Lime Rock " with his family, intending to make it his home ; he is much pleased with the country.

Yesterday I had the pleasure, in company with Dr. Lugenbeel and Captain Auld, of the Lime Rock, of visiting the settlement up the river where the poor unfortunates of the Renown were placed. I was more than pleased with the appearance of things there. It was truly a gratifying sight to see what improvements had been made in so short a time, by a people who had nothing but their own industry to depend upon.

Every man and woman in the settlement is living on their own lands, and nearly all their houses are built of timber. They are contented and happy, and could not, they say, exchange their homes under any consideration. They live in a free land —what more can they desire?

The moment the news of the Lime Rock's anchoring, reached the settlement, the people hurried down to congratulate and welcome their friends and relatives to their new home. The meeting was truly worth witnessing—they embraced and kissed each other, and they could only say, "Is it possible— thank God — did we ever expect to meet this side of the grave— the Lord is truly good and gracious. They wept on each other's neck —they shed tears of joy and gladness —not a cloud intervened to damp the ardor of their feelings; it was truly, a happy time, and my feelings flowed in unison with theirs.

I must beg that you will keep us well supplied with hoes and axes ; you understand that we are obliged to furnish the people with agricultural implements, as they are landed here poor and without tools.

I shall have to furnish these people with cooking utensils —they have none.

page 284

LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM LIBERIA.
September 1844

Be pleased to send us emigrants as fast as possible—this is a fine country ; and nothing but a population is wanted to make it preferable to any other of our settlements.

I hope Governor Roberts and family reached the United States in safety, and met with a good reception. I have enclosed a letter for him— be pleased to send it to him.

Our rainy season has commenced, and from all we can learn, there will be a plentiful crop of rice.

At Sea, onboard the Lime Rock
May 3rd, 1844
I left Sinoe yesterday, and expect early on tomorrow to be landed at Monrovia.

On Monday, farm lands will be assigned them, they are anxious to be at work, and I have made every arrangement for them to commence.

I shall be pleased to hear from you by the first opportunity, and if my proceedings meet your approbation, I shall be more than paid for all the trouble and vexation I have experienced since the arrival of the vessel.

Peace and tranquillity surround us.

In haste, but respectfully, I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,
J. N. LEWIS

Rev. Wm. McLain,
Sec'r Am. Col. Society, Washington, D. C.

Greenville, (Sinoe,) Liberia,
May 20, 1844.

Rev. and Dear Sir. —- Your letter, bearing dale March 1st, (which was the last that I have received from the Board) came to hand about the 20th ultimo, while I was at Monrovia. The brig "Lime Rock," from New Orleans, arrived in the harbor of Monrovia on the 6th inst., having on board ninety immigrants, the majority of whom were destined for this settlement; and as you requested that I should be with the largest company, I accordingly came down with the immigrants from Mississippi, in company with General Lewis, Mr. Richard E. Murray and family, and one of my students, young Mr. Smith. We arrived at this place on the 16th inst., after a passage of six days, protracted in consequence of light winds and a contrary current. The brig sailed from New Orleans with ninety-two, three of whom were in very bad health when they were brought on board the vessel. Two of these sick persons—a young man and a young woman, brother and sister, named Hannibal and Grace, died on the passage, the young man when within sight of the African coast. The other sick person, a woman named Mary Ross, who was laboring under pulmonary consumption when the brig left the United States, breathed her last about three hours before the vessel came to anchor in this harbor. A man named Osby Campbell jumped overboard in the harbor of Monrovia, and was drowned, on the morning of the lOth inst. This melancholy act was the result, as I afterwards learned from his wife and others, of mental despondency.

Nineteen of the immigrants were landed at Monrovia. One of these, a very worthy man named Gibson, who formerly lived in New Orleans.

Continued on Page 285

And who was free born, came down with us to this place ; the rest could not be prevailed on to come. Mr. Gibson will return in the brig to Monrvia, in order to carry good tidings from Sinoe, and to endeavor to induce some or all of his fellow passengers to accompany him to this part of this "goodly land." Those who remain in or near Monrovia will receive medical attendance from Dr.James Brown, during my residence at this settlement.

Sixty-nine, besides Mr. Gibson, were landed at this place. Most of them are healthy looking people ; and if they will only exercise that care Which is necessary during the first few months of their residence in Liberia, I think they will not have much sickness. The majority of them are women and children ; and I am fearful from what I have already seen, That some will be very imprudent in regard to exposure to the sun, rain, and night air. They are all comfortably located for the present, in this town, (Greenville). As soon, however, as circumstances will admit, they will remove about five miles up the Sinoe river, to the settlement of the other portion of Mrs. Read's people. I visited that settlement yesterday. The people all express themselves as being pleased with their new home ; and they are generally in good health. Their houses are quite comfortable; and they all seem to be very industrious. They have sweet polatoes, cassava, and several other vegetables, growing plentifully around their houses.

The land is remarkably good, apparently equal to that on the noble St. Paul's, at Millsburg, and White Plains. The best potatoes that I have eaten in Liberia, were raised by these settlers on the Sinoe river. Much praise is due to Captain Auld, of the "Lime Rock," for his kind treatment to the immigrants. He certainly must have treated them uncommonly well; for they all speak of him in the most exalted terms. He furnished several of them with articles of clothing, and did every thing in his power to make them comfortable while they were on board of his vessel. Thanks to a kind overruling Providence, my health is pretty tolerably fair at present.

Very respectfully, your friend, &c.,
Rev. AV. McLain, Sec. A. C. S. J. W. LUGENBEEL

New Orleans, July 26th, 1844.
Rev. Wm. McLain.
Sec'y of the Am. Col. Society.

Dear Sir: —The Brig Lime Rock under my command, arrived safe in this port, this day, from Sinoe and Monrovia, Liberia; the latter port of which, I left on the evening of the 25th of May ; my passage out to Monrovia, was fifty-five days, which was a fair average passage from New Orleans, during which time I had the misfortune of losing two of my emigrants, a young man, and a young woman, the former by a severe cold which affected the spine; the latter, by an abortion, both of whom came on board, in a helpless condition, having been confined to their beds some days previous.

I there landed the Kentucky families, and a family of free people by the name of Gibson, who had resided in New Orleans, and such of the cargo as General Lewis, the Colonization Agent, required, which took the space of four davs. I then received on board Doctor Lugenbeel and one of his students. General Lewis, Mr. Murray and family, the latter gentleman of which , has been appointed assistant agent at Sinoe. And on the eve of sailing.

Page 286

RECEIPTS
September 1844

Osby Campbell, one of my emigrants, jumped overboard, and never again appeared, leaving his wife on board. Campbell was a man from forty to forty-five years of age, enjoyed excellent health and spirits, and the firsts every thing which required labor, until the morning of his exit.

After which, we proceeded down to Sinoe, where we landed on the l7th day of May ; there we discharged the remainder of our emigrants and cargo. After every thing was landed to the satisfaction of the Colonization Agent and in compliance with the charter. Doctor Lugenbeel, his student, General Lewis, Mr. Murray and myself, visited the new settlement, up the river where the Renown's emigrants had located, and were agreeably disappointed. Notwithstanding the destitute situation they were in, after loosing every thing they possessed, when cast away, they had built themselves comfortable houses, and had an abundance of every thing growing in a thrving condition, such as corn, potatoes, cassava, beans, peas, &c., fruit of various kinds, such as water melons, cucumbers cantelopes, pine apples, bannanas, plaintains, &c. All those improvements have been done in the space of ten or eleven months. I found them short of hoes and axes ; ploughs are of no use, as there are no horses, and but few cattle, the latter being too small for the yoke. This section of country I prefer to Monrovia, or that in the vicinity of Cape Mesurado; the soil is far superior, and equally as healthy, if not more so,' than the Cape.

They had no boat at Sinoe of any account, and stand very much in need of one, for the purpose of landing cargoes and emigrants. We had to make : our entire landing in our boat.

In closing this long epistle, I am pleased to add, while in Monrovia and Sinoe, the citizens treated me with every kindness, for which 1 shall ever; feel grateful.

May God prosper them.
Respectfully, I am.
Your obedient servant,
EDWARD AULD.

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