to inform you, that the merit of the Maroons, in their zealous and effectual defence of that new colony, when it was attacked by a numerous body of the neighbouring African Chiefs, ought never to be forgotten. The Maroons have always been remarkably industrious in the cultivation of their lots of land, much more than any of the other settlers; and, therefore, when they are withdrawn from their profitable labours, to be drilled under martial law, instead of the only true constitutional means of defence, the English frank-pledge, which in the books of our Common Law is entitled the chief and greatest security' (summa et maxima securitas), and in which the householders elect all the officers (except the Governor and chief magistrates) who command them (without the King's commission,)-a glorious privilege, which was absolutely promised to them by the Directors of the Sierra Leone Company-so unhappy a deprivation of it must necessarily occasion much discontent among them. The Sierra Leone Company, indeed, have since resigned their management of the colony to his Majesty's Government; but as the English frank-pledge is the essential branch of the English Constitution declared by Magna Charta, which all the Kings of Great Britain are by oath at their coronation bound to maintain, it is not easy to conceive that there can be any real intention to deprive the King's subjects in Sierra Leone of that most essential privilege, which was promised, and really established there by the Company.

"The Act of Parliament by which the Sierra Leone Company was incorporated (viz. 31 Geo. III.), a copy of which I send herewith, very prudently limited the establishment of the frank-pledge, so that it cannot interfere with the supreme Government of the colony.

"The Directors of the Company were empowered to make laws for the government of the colony,' (p. 8), and to appoint a Governor and Council,' (ibid.); and that the Governor and Council may make laws, which shall have effect until disallowed by the Directors'-viz. 'laws not repugnant to the laws and statutes of this realm,' (p. 9);—' that a Mayor and three Aldermen should be incorporated by the name of the Mayor and Aldermen of Freetown,' (ibid.);

that the Governor and Council be Justices of the Peace, and hold Quarter Sessions, and be a Court of Record,' (p. 30.)

"All these laws and privileges were fully established in the colony; and a short sketch of temporary Regulations was drawn up by myself, as being one of the Directors of the Company: and several printed copies of it were sent to the Governor and Council of the colony, to be placed in the public library; a copy of which is also sent herewith. (See No. 3.)

"I am impressed with a most sincere respect for yourself, Right Hon. Sir, for your zealous, constant, and most excellent conduct, as Governor of Sierra Leone, in defending the rights of poor injured Africans; and am, with sincere esteem,

It is satisfactory to add, that, by the benevolent exertions of Governor Maxwell, these deluded men were induced to return to the settlement, and regained possession of their property.

MEMOIRS

OF

GRANVILLE SHARP.

PART IV.

MR. SHARP'S MEANS OF EXPENDITURE.-VARIOUS TRUSTS.-CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE FRENCH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.

SOCIETY FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE-ITS PROGRESS-MR. WILBERFORCE SUPPORTS THE CAUSE IN PARLIAMENT— BILL BROUGHT IN BY MR. FOX AND LORD GRENVILLE.

MR. SHARP'S CONDUCT AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY.-ANECDOTES OF MR. PITT RELATIVE TO THE ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.-AFRICAN INSTITUTION.-PROTESTANT UNION.