February, 14, 1848.

Mr. Editor:ーI propose sending you, from time to time for publication, certain articles, provided in the first place, you shall think them worth the printing and the room they occupy, and in the second place, that you do not feel ashamed of your humble correspondent and his name. For this much I must arrange, that all my articles, or any part of them, shall appear over my own signature, it being an old family name, and I begin to feel that there is considerable nobility associated with it.

I have thought that much good might be done, by getting up a new system of Freemasonry and Odd Fellowship, among the "Darkies" and their friends of every name. I would have it in this way, somewhat:ーLet enquiry be made at once, in every city and town for blacks and mulattoes, who are engaged or would like to be engaged in carrying on any of the branches of business, that are properly considered respectable, and when any such persons can be found, who will conduct such business honorably and with advantage to themselves, let them receive a determined, unceasing support, by giving them our custom and our influence. For example, I would have in every town, of sufficient negro and abolition population, a full "Nigger" merchant, even if it should require an extensive copartnership, in order to make up an actual cash capital, to do business with, and I would adopt to the fullest extent, the cash system to render it safe, and to get all our people as much as possible into the habit of keeping out of debt. I would have in every city and large town, Negro Public Houses; kept by persons of the first respectability and intelligence, and affording the best accommodations, and I would take care to have them advertised all over the civilized world. I would have wholesale dealers in all the cities, as well as retail dealers of this class, and call on all newspaper editors professedly friendly, to advertise them and call public attention to them. I would fill the country as fast as possible, with every description of mechanics, and the blacker the better. I would have my friends become owners, as fast as possible, of the different kinds of water crafts employed on all inland and other waters. I would have every black or mulatto of genius or skill, as an artist, architect, mechanic, trader, or professional man, carefully sought out and recommended to public notice and favor.

I feel confident that we have enough of talent and acquirements with ourselves, to carry out this, and many other and better plans for our own elevation and welfare, if we will only take hold in earnest. Perhaps it may be well for some one to get up in pamphlet form, a kind of General Register of the names and location of such individuals in different parts of the country, as are now so engaged, or may be so hereafter.

Every one, I think will see at once, how many openings for respectable employment might be made in this way, as well as advantages for acquiring trades and professions for our young men, to say nothing of the influence it might have, in bringing black to be a more popular color.

If this, my first effort should be well received, you may expect to hear from me again.

Your friend,

TONY.