et free
after May 1, 1806. But, on the other hand, this act was not generally
enforced because of the economic value of many of the freedmen.[51]
Thus it is doubtful whether Cary, whose salary would be increased if
he remained in Virginia, and Teague, both effectual workmen whose
industry was needed, would have to go away to gain a higher status.

Let us examine the facts further. Crane was certainly enthusiastic for
African colonization and Gurley was the secretary of the American
Colonization Society. Thus these statements, as well as similar ones
which follow, seem like attempts on the part of the friends of
colonization to make Cary say to the other free Negroes that
colonization was a desirable thing. Certainly such an attitude would
be a timely rebuttal of the anti-colonization sentiment of the Negro
ministry in general.

Furthermore, this reason for going to Africa was not in accord with
the one given at Crane's night school. Then he wanted to see Africa
for himself; now he finds America no place for the Negro. He could
have changed his point of view, but did he? If he did change his
view, he had changed again in less than two years (March 13, 1821)
when he wrote as follows to the corresponding secretary of the Board
of Foreign Missions:

If you intend doing anything for Africa you must not wait for the
Colonization Society, nor for government, for neither of these
are in search of missionary grounds, but of colonizing grounds;
if it should not suit missionary needs, you cannot expect to
gather in a missionary crop. And, moreover, all of us who are
connected with the agents, who are under public instructions,
must be conformed to their laws, whether they militate against
missionary operation or not.[52]

Thus if Cary made statements which favor colonization he was very
inconsistent, for it was he who was chiefly responsible for the
colonists openly defying the Colonization Society in 1824. Nor could
Cary write so well. It is most likely, therefore, that Lott Cary
wanted to go to Africa simply to see the country and to do missionary
work.

Prior to his public farewell, Lott Cary and Colin Teague were ordained
and they, with their wives, Joseph Langford and wife and Hilary
Teague, were organized in January, 1821, into a church. Lott Cary was
elected pastor. The constitution of this body which they were to plant
in Africa was modelled after the Samson Street Church of