countries at which the California adventurers are now touching, on their
route to that distant land, and not half the distance of California.

In the second place, the advantages for all kinds of enterprise, are
equal if not superior, to almost any other points--the climate being
healthy and highly favorable.

In the third place, and by no means the least point of importance, the
British nation is bound by solemn treaty, to protect both of those
nations from foreign imposition, until they are able to stand alone.

Then there is nothing in the way, but every thing in favor, and
opportunities for us to rise to the full stature of manhood. Remember
this fact, that in these countries, colored men now fill the highest
places in the country: and colored people have the same chances there,
that white people have in the United States. All that is necessary to
do, is to go, and the moment your foot touches the soil, you have all
the opportunities for elevating yourselves as the highest, according to
your industry and merits.

Nicaragua and New Grenada, are both Republics, having a President,
Senate, and Representatives of the people. The municipal affairs are
well conducted; and remember, however much the customs of the country
may differ, and appear strange to those you have left behind--remember
that you are free; and that many who, at first sight, might think that
they could not become reconciled to the new order of things, should
recollect, that they were once in a situation in the United States, (in
_slavery_,) where they were compelled to be content with customs
infinitely more averse to their feelings and desires. And that customs
become modified, just in proportion as people of different customs from
different parts, settle in the same communities together. All we ask is
Liberty--the rest follows as a matter of course.

XXII

THINGS AS THEY ARE

"And if thou boast TRUTH to utter,
SPEAK, and leave the rest to God."

In presenting this work, we have but a single object in view, and that
is, to inform the minds of the colored people at large, upon many things
pertaining to their elevation, that but few among us are acquainted
with. Unfortunately for us, as a body, we have been taught to believe,
that we must have some person to think for us, instead of thinking for
ourselves. So accustomed are we to submission and this kind of training,
that it is with difficulty, even among the most intelligent o