88
A SCHOOL HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XVI.
LIBERIA.
The Republic of Liberia was founded in 1816,
by the American Colonization Society as a place of
refuge and safety to the colored people of America
who, before the abolition of slavery in the various
States, had been set free by their masters, or, through
industry, had purchased their liberty themselves.
It is located on the west coast of Africa, south of
Sierra Leone, and is very productive of rice, coffee,
indigo, peanuts, arrowroot, sugar, pepper, logwood,
palm-oil, and cotton. Gold and other minerals are
found in considerable quantities. The climate seems
ill adapted to the American Negro.
Mr Jehudi Ashmun was the pioneer in plant¬
ing the colony, assisted by Lott Carey. The natives
resisted the settlers, and for the first six years there
were continual attempts to drive them out. Mr.
Ashmun's health finally failed, and he was compelled
to leave the colony, now numbering 1200 free
Americans, to themselves in this new and wild land.
They shed bitter tears on his departure, some cling¬
ing even to his garments. But, left to themselves,
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