Colonization.

CATSKILL, March, 28, 1853.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—As that old coloniza-
tion scheme has made its appearance in our
part of the country, it reminds me of that
antiquated song: "Sing a song of
sixpence—a bottle full of rye," &c. And as it has not
changed its principles, (if it ever had any,) I
send you the following stanzas, composed by
me some years ago, on the said theme, in
which are embodied the sentiments of every
intelligent colored man in the country.

Yours with much esteem,

MARTIN CROSS.

Talk not to me of Colonization.

For I'm a freeman of this nation;

Then why forsake my native land

For Afric's burning sun and sand?

We hereby make our proclamation,

That we're opposed to emigration.

This is the land which gave us birth—

Our father's graves are freedom's earth;

They won the freedom they enjoy,

How can you freeman's rights destroy?

We, to a man, determined stand

To ne'er forsake our native land.

Than away, say we, to Colonization.

But give us God-emancipation;

Success attend our holy cause—

Our motto—"God and righteous laws."

Then, friends of Colonization, give o'er

Nor strive to drive us from this shore;

For we're determined to a man

Not to forsake our native land-

Where bright Emancipation gleams—

Where Freedom's banner o'er us streams,

We've borne its stripes of crimson hue,

We'll share its stars' proud glory too!