Constitutional Whig

EMIGRATION TO HAYTI.

We accepted an invitation to visit the brig De Witt Clinton, in company with the owner, Mr. Porter, and several of the Managers of the Haytien Emigration Society, as she weighed anchor on Thursday to depart for Port-au-Prince, with her full complement of 120 coloured emigrants. The brig is a fine, substantial vessel, nearly new, this being her second voyage, and is well calculated to transport passengers.—Berths to accommodate three in each were fitted up on each side, between decks, with a bulk head dividing the males from the females. Every thing was well ordered for convenience and comfort, and all appeared happy in the prospect of getting among those of their own colour, under the mild and equal government of President Boyer. There were eight or ten entire families, husbands, wives, and children.—All appeared to be in good health; many of them were intelligent, and we should judge, were among the most respectable of their colour.

On the seat at the cabin gangway, one of them was writing in a fair hand a sort of code of laws for the government of the passengers on the voyage, as they were dictated to him by John Henry Alexander, a native of Hayti, whom the passengers had elected—the President for the voyage, and authorised to make laws. We were pleased with the intelligence manifested by this man who was dressed in the Quaker garb, and appeared to be possessed of all the mildness and simplicity characteristic of that sect of christians. On inquiry, he informed us he had been in most of the countries of Europe, and that he spoke six or eight different languages. We asked him to send us, by the pilot, a copy of his code, which has been handed us this morning, and is subjoined:

Statesman— LIBERTY. Sept. 2d. 1824. EQUALITY.

We, the emigrants of New York who are on board the Brig De Witt Clinton, Wm. C. Barstow, master, bound to Hayti, have chosen citizen John Henry Alexander, a native of Hayti, passenger with us, to make such laws as he may think proper for the tranquility and rights of every one of us on board.

Art. 1. We give full power to the Captain, Wm. C. Barstow, on our arrival at Hayti, if any of us misbehave on our passage, to represent it to President Boyer; and he is justifiable in punishing us according to the laws of the country. This law shall be translated, and published in that country, as well as in the U. States for the benefit of those who shall hereafter emigrate.

Art. 2. No man shall have the liberty to smoke segars between decks, neither allowed to disturb those who are piously engaged. No swearing is allowed.

Art. 3. If any man be guilty of taking that which is not his own, he shall be punished accordingly.

Art. 4. And those who are guilty of being intoxicated, their grog shall be stopped during the passage.

Art. 5. Every man must be responsible to assist the Captain if required.

Art. 6. We have appointed captains, and each shall have the charge of twelve men, and the captains have the responsibility, on themselves in their capacities or all the provisions committed to their care.

Art. 7. There shall be a cook appointed by each captain. The provisions shall be dressed different every day, as the captain shall direct.

Art. 8. A steward shall be appointed for each class, to wash and keep clean all things we make use of.

Art. 9. Any person who refuses to do those duties, shall be tied in the rigging for the space of twenty-four hours—if the weather is inclement, it will be only ten hours.

Art. 10. There shall be a steward appointed for the ladies, to clean out their apartment every day.

Art. 11. This law shall be read twice a day, and also a chapter in the proverbs of Solomon.

Gentlemen—Having been called by your choice as President, to make laws for the emigrants who are on board, I accepted it with pleasure, & I hope as a Haytien, I shall be faithful as my forefathers were at home, when they made the wholesome laws which we now at Hayti enjoy; if it meet your approbation you will follow my signature.

JOHN HENRY ALEXANDER, Prest

ABM. B. Matthews, Secretary.

Names of the Captains.

George Wools, 1st Captain, Stephen Rodney, 2d do.; John Allen, 3d do.; William Edmunds 4th do.; S. Parker, 5th do.; S. Rodney, 6th do.

A communication in the Daily Advertiser of this morning, says, "The emigrants were, by special invitation, assembled in the African Zion Church, on the evening prior to their embarkation, and after a Hymn and a Prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Paul, Pastor of the African Baptist Church, a valedictory address was delivered to them, by the Rev. Peter Williams, Pastor of the African Episcopal Church, This address has been published, and distributed among the emigrants, and it is but justice to say that we consider it exceedingly judicious, and appropriate to the occasion. It appeared to make a forcible impression upon the minds of the emigrants—and we doubt not it will be attended with salutary consequences. It does credit both to the head and heart of its author, Mr. Williams. A feeling prayer was then offered by the same Reverend gentleman, after which the emigrants were very pertinently addressed by C. D. Colden, Esq. and Professor Griscom, on behalf of the Emigration Society, and a speech was made to them by a coloured man from Hayti; a hymn was then sung, and a benediction delivered by the Rev. Mr. Varick, Pastor of the African Methodist Church. The house was filled with coloured people of both sexes, and of different religious denominations, who appeared to take a lively interest in the welfare of the emigrants, and to be much impressed with the religious exercises. The Society, we are informed, have on their books a number of applicants, nearly sufficient for a second shipment."