African Toasts

CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

On Monday the Africans, and descendants of Africans, in this town [Boston], held their annual commemoration of the commencement of measures for the abolition of the Slave Trade. A respectable procession passed through many streets, (which were as much thronged as they are on Election and Independent days, or as when President Monroe, and some of our Naval Worthies passed them in procession) to the African meeting-house. The Rev. Hosea Ballon delivered the discourse this year. A dinner was served up in the African school-house. The blessings was craved by the Rev. Thomas Paul and thanks returned by Mr. Samuel Snowden [look up]. Every thing was conducted with decency and order, and the company retired to their homes tow hours before sunset.

The following Toasts were given:--

Wilberforce, Pitt, Fox Clarkson, Grenville, Benezet, Woolman, Dickson, Marquis de la Fayette, Brissot, Claviere, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Hancock, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe -- Names in the old and new world, which Africans and descendants of Africans will long have reason to remember.

The ever memorable vote for the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1807, which was carried in the House of Lords in the affirmative, 100 to 16 and in the Commons 286 to 16. The deed is registered in Heaven -- the mandate is gone forth -- Africa must and shall be free.

The late report of the Legislature of Massachusetts on the subject of "Free Blacks." We wish the Gentlemen Committee a better acquaintance with us. -- For our characters, we refer to the merchants of Long, Central, and India wharves, and the those citizens, in whose families many of us have lived a great number of years, and from all whom we derive support for ourselves, our wives and our little ones.

The Orator of the day. -- He has discoursed to us upon the principles of our Independence. May we at all times be found acting in accordance with them.

The memory of Abiel Smith -- Through his munificence, aided by the School Committee of the town of Boston, ample provision is made for our African Free School [check to see how old whether first].

His Excellency Gov. BROOKS.-- Long may he live to enjoy the gratitude of the people of this great State.

His Honor Lt. Gov. PHILLIPS -- The charity meeting held in our African Church have witnessed, that his high station does not prevent him from worshiping at the same altar, and casting in of his abundance to the same box with Africans.

The Christian Religion -- It is shewn in its true spirit when Ministers of every denomination cheerfully take their turns to discourse to us upon the great events which terminated in breaking the fetters of slavery.

Our Procession this day. -- A proof of the good order of the inhabitants of the Head Quarters of correct principles.

The Municipal Authorities of this ancient metropolis. -- Able administrators of wise and wholesome regulations -- may we never be found deficient in a due observance of them.

The Laws of the Land. -- As good subjects, may Africans strive to live peaceably with all men -- render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things which are God's.

The Report of the Committee on "Free Blacks." -- Africans my securely rest under their own vine and their own fig tree, when their cause is in the hands of the elegant, spirited, and Christian, "L'Ami des Noirs."

Boston, July 1821