[Twenty-Two Years a Slave, and Forty Years a Freeman by Austin Steward]@TWC D-Link book
Twenty-Two Years a Slave, and Forty Years a Freeman

CHAPTER XXXVII
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Also, what kind of machines you most need; also, what are the terms for which laborers are contracted for and how paid.
The board have been thus particular, because they rely with full confidence on your _patriotism_ and capability, which have been unanimously assigned to you.
You will perceive our object is, to contribute, as far as lays in our power, pecuniary_ aid, and assist in securing you such _agricultural_ and _mechanical_ emigrants as, in your opinion, the Settlement may need; and in all our recommendations to you, we shall endeavor to have an eye to character, knowing full well that by that alone you must _stand_ or _fall_.
We have been informed here by a letter (purporting to be written by a Mr.
Stover), that the Canada Company actually refuses to sell land to colored persons; and that they are anxious to buy out the colored settlers at Wilberforce.
Be pleased to inform me if that be a fact, with its particulars; and if there be any disadvantages in purchasing land by colored emigrants.
The board would be happy to know if you have had any news from your agent in England.

If any, what are his prospects?
You will please be particular and candid in stating your wants (as well as disadvantages) to us, as we will do our utmost to satisfy them, as well as promote the happiness of the settlers, and the prosperity of the Settlement.
Be pleased to answer as soon as possible, for we as brothers in common, feel deeply interested.
With sentiments of sincere friendship, I remain, yours, JUNIUS C.MORRELL.
A true copy from the record.
* * * * * RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE WILBERFORCE COLONY.
At a meeting of the Board of Managers, held September 30th, 1831, to call the Agents to an account: Resolved, That the Report of N.Paul be accepted, and unanimously agreed to.
At a meeting of the Board of Directors, all the members present, March 18th, 1832: Resolved, That we disapprove of the conduct of Israel Lewis, in his being absent so long, and also his not communicating with the Board of Directors, and not informing them from time to time, how he is prosecuting his agency.
Resolved, That the chairman of this board be instructed to write to said Lewis, to return home, and lay before this board his doings.
At a meeting of the Board, held April 1st, 1832, all the members and Israel Lewis present with them, he made the following Report, and resigned his office as agent, which was accepted: Lewis said that seven hundred dollars was all that he had collected.

That he paid one hundred and fifty dollars for board in New York, thirty-five dollars for clothes, and two hundred dollars to N.Paul, as an out-fit for England.
* * * * * CIRCULAR.
THE BOARD OF MANAGERS FOR THE COLONY, _To the Christians and Philanthropists in the United States:_ We, the undersigned inhabitants and Board of Managers for the Colony of Wilberforce, beg leave to state that the frost cut off the crops in this part of the country last year, and some of the colonists are in great need of assistance.

And we flatter ourselves that when the peculiar circumstances of this infant Settlement are duly considered, this appeal, to a generous and discriminating public, will not be made in vain.
The board are sensible from the cause above stated, that the inhabitants of Wilberforce will be _compelled_ to ask _aid_ from the friends of humanity in the States, or they must _suffer_.
Under these circumstances they commissioned the Rev.James Sharp, as their agent, and sent him to the States; but owing to the opposition of Israel Lewis,--who had been formerly employed as agent, but was removed from the agency--his labors were almost wholly lost to the board.
We would simply say, that Lewis was acting for a _certain_ company here; but we have made inquiries, and find but _one man_ in Wilberforce that belongs to said company, and he is an old man, in his dotage.

That man is _Simon Wyatt_.


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