which already has a waxy appearance, and is, I think, in great quantity, considering the bulk of the seed. When the seeds are thrown into water, the wax that surrounds floats them; but when the water becomes hot, the wax melts off, and the seeds sink immediately, leaving the wax on the surface in a cake when cold. This taken out may be liquified and strained, then it is beautiful and fit for any use. The wax is whiter that is taken from the winter's berries, because they are bleached by the weather. I think it more like tallow than bees-wax is, and probably may be better on many accounts than it. I know of no particular history of this, but am of opinion, it would be well worth attention. The shrubs do not grow more than four or five feet high in general, and they bear when only one or two feet in height. The flowers, I hear, are white, and have a very beautiful appearance. The leaves, they say, are very fragrant; and the branches, after the leaves have fallen, are so full of berries, that it is difficult to conceive where they could have been placed. They are entirely fallen at present, and I can only learn, that they are shaped like the leaf of the myrtle, and very finely scented. Many of the berries have dropped, too, by the late heavy storms and high winds; but some of the inferior branches are set in clusters, as full at present as the profuse hand of nature, could have well placed them. I have sent thee a few of the sprigs, with the berries on; and I hope, though they have lost many of

their beauties, since the rustic hand of my messenger was laid on them, they may be sufficiently well preserved to make them acceptable. I mentioned in my last, I think, that I would advise thee to plant in thy hot-house some cashew nuts, or cherry nuts. They grow very quick, and before they get a yard high will bear many fine apples. They bear in the West Indies, in two or three years, and sometimes in one, and continue for an age. I do not remember to have ever seen them in any hothouse. When the nut is beginning to shape, it may be put into a bottle, which being suspended, the apple will soon fill, taking its form: if large, it looks beautiful when growing. I imagine by this time you have in the gardens of London the tallow tree, the bread fruit or tree, the cortex Winteranus, and many other valuable acquisitions. If they are to be had, and you are desirous of a trial in the West Indies, please to inform me, and every attention shall be paid to them.

Yours, &c.

W. THORNTON.

P. S. I mentioned in my last letter, that I am desirous of giving freedom to the Blacks, of whom I am possessed, in number, of above seventy; but my intention respecting that, as well as accompanying them to Africa, is unknown to my mother, or of my relations, though some of them sus

to any

pect it.

This morning I received a letter from the Union

Society of the Blacks, and the names of more than seventy were put down, who were willing to attend me in this small city.

They say that they desire a few young men of their number, in whom they can place perfect confidence, may be permitted to visit the court, and to return and give a report of the prospect they have of being peaceably settled. A dozen young men have offered themselves, who are willing to sacrifice their lives, they say, if they can benefit their countrymen by it, and as many more would offer themselves, if it were necessary. I wish them not to incur any unnecessary expence, and therefore advise them to wait till I hear from thee. I told them that if the Settlement already made were independent of any crown, and the blacks were well received, they might go without fear; and I beg that my friend will give them every information, which may be signed by the Committee, as it is intended to be made known, not to a few men, but a nation of Blacks.

I would wish also, that my character were spoken to, because in an affair of so much consequence it is necessary to take away every possible obstacle, or suspicion, and I know that many would be glad to raise suspicions among them, that it was meant but as a bait to entrap them.

W. T.

LETTER CCLXXIII.

From the same.

My Dear Friend,

Boston, May 20, 1787. I hear that, in a few hours, two vessels are departing for London, and I am desirous of testifying how unwilling I should be to let any opportunity escape me of writing to my friend.

I lately sent some very long letters on the most interesting subject that can warm the bosom of benevolence. I mean that relative to the freedom of the Africans. One of them went from New York, five or six months ago, and I am very desirous of hearing some account from London of your proceedings in their cause. I wrote my first letter from New York, before I knew that you had any intention to send out the Blacks of London, who were willing to return to their native country. The more I have thought upon the subject, the more I am resolved that no consideration shall prevent me from undertaking any attempt to rescue them from further oppression. Hundreds are

ready for me here, and many have addressed me, knowing that I profess myself their friend, and nothing shall ever tempt me to be otherwise. I know my parents will probably endeavour to turn aside my views, and direct them into another course, but for what end do I live? Am I to vegetate? and

shall my existence be known by no good action after my breath has ceased? It might many ways; but where is there an object so worthy of my attention as the present one? Long has the Almighty permitted the Whites to tyrannize over the poor Africans. But a day of hope begins to dawn, when they shall enjoy the smile of the Deity. When I was in England, I thought the sugar sweet, but saw not the bitter tears that moistened the ground on which it grew; but when I had been a while in my native country, and viewed the situation of the Blacks, I regretted often that I was born a slave-keeper.

Again and again I have thanked my God, and thought it was for an end of his own. It appears my lot, and the more I consider the subject, the more I am compelled to look upon it as my duty to render the utmost services in my power, that the fulfilling of this humane and laudable scheme may be accomplished. Many people tell me of the difficulties that will present themselves; and what of moment, I ask, was ever effected without difficulties? Nothing at present seems to have power to shake me, and turn aside the current of my mind. I hope that the benevolent Being, whose eyes are for ever awake, and whose ears are never shut, will fix me still more firmly, 'that nothing may even suggest a fear. At present I have none. I wrote a very long letter from Rhode Island, in which I mentioned that I did not doubt but that two thousand free Blacks will attend me from America.