Negro Free State. Near

the close of 1816 there was founded the colonization society of the United States, having for its object the establishment of a refuge for free persons of color. Many distinguished Americans became active members, and through the efforts of the a ociation, Liberia, on the west coast of Africa, was selected as the seat of the proposed colony of freemen of the African race emigrating from America. A sufficient number of these went abroad to establish a flourishing negro state. The capital was named Monrovia in honor of President James Monroe. Negro Plot. March 18, 1741, a fire occurred in the chapel and barracks at Fort George on the Battery in New York. It was generally believed to be accidental, but charges were set afloat that it arose from a plot by the negroes to burn the town. Eight other fires of a mysterious nature within a month strengthened this belief. Mary Burton, a servant of one John Hughson, furnished testimony implicating a number of sailors and negroes. Twenty whites and over 160 slaves were. seized and imprisoned. Finally Mary Burton’s accusations inculpated persons of such character that danger from that direction checked the fury. It was charged that the Spanish were inciting plots among the negroes through Roman Catholic priests. Four whites were hanged, eighteen negroes hanged and thirteen burned at the stake, Negro Troops were employed to a slight extent in the Revolutionary War. Though a few generals made use of them in the first two years of the Civil War, and Congre authorized their employment at the Sea Islands, the first general provision for their enlistment was made in July, 1863. After that they were employed in considerable numbers, and at times with great succe . 24