Daily National Intelligencer

TO THE EDITORS.

Gentlemen: Warmed to benevolent feelings by the formation of a philanthropic institution, which, I believe, originated in your city, hundreds of persons have been aroused to consider the possibility of ameliorating the condition of our sable brethren. I sensibly feel the difficulties attending these virtuous endeavors; but nothing can be accomplished, that is not first begun, and if posterity, a century hence, reaps the benefit, we ought to be satisfied that at this period it commenced.

The slave trade is a hacknied subject, and yet it cannot be exhausted. All wise and good men who have advocated the abolition of it, have considered it as a religious, a moral, and a political evil; but, at the same time, have expressed their fears, that, in America at least, it is a rooted evil, which cannot be eradicated. It is needless to investigate the motives of negro wars, or to dispute the right of the victors to sell their captives. All we have to do is, as far as we are able, to convert evil into good, when our own citizens connive at these villanies, and riot upon these blood-stained spoils. To appeal from right to fact would be useless; we know the evil exists, and we can only mark our disapprobation of the nefarious traffic, by adopting measures founded in "peace and good will," such as the Colonization Society points out, to rescue these unhappy victims of avarice.

The same path, if we pass it safely, may open a way for future emancipations, and for the gradual abolition of Domestic Slavery. This idea is of so momentous, so important a nature, that its operations must be very slow—for, like the march of knowledge, it is surrounded by dangers, so impeded by difficulties, so inimical to interest, that few now living will survive to see a probable and digested plan for this great end. And yet, I believe, comparatively few slave-holders would withhold their willing consent to any plan which could secure the comfortable subsistence of their dependents, and ensure the safety of all parties.

At present, it is sufficient that the great work of reform is begun. May it please God to prosper and mature it!

My ideas have flowed into rhyme on this interesting occasion, and, to you, as real friends to the cause my muse but feebly advocates, I send them for insertion.

Your old correspondent,
ZULEMA.