em and general
hostilities threatened when satisfaction was demanded and refused. A
letter of protest to a slave dealer who had stored his goods in the
house where stores of the colony had been deposited was intercepted
and destroyed by the natives. Immediately, Cary prepared to defend the
rights and property of the colony. He called out the militia and began
with others, in the evening of November 8, to make cartridges in the
old agency house. In some manner, a candle was accidentally upset and
almost instantly the entire ammunition exploded, entirely destroying
the house. Eight people died; six of the number survived until the
next day; Lott Cary and one other until November 10, 1828.[189]

The unbelievable news of the death of Lott Cary spread like a mighty
conflagration to the organizations which he represented. The following
is the resolution read and adopted at the annual meeting of the
Richmond African Baptist Missionary Society in 1829:[190]

The loss which has been sustained, cannot in our estimation, be
easily repaired. This excellent man seems to have been raised up
by divine providence, for the special purpose of taking an active
part in the management of the infant settlement. His
discriminating judgment, his honesty of heart, and decision of
character, qualified him eminently, for this service. But,
especially, in relation to your society is his death to be
sincerely lamented. It will be recollected, that he was a
principal instrument in the origin of this society, and for
several years acted as its recording secretary. A little more
than eight years ago, he received his appointment, and sailed, as
missionary, in company with brother Teage, for the land of their
forefathers. His exertions as a minister in that land have been
of the most devoted and untiring kind. In the communications
which have been received by the Board, he seemed to possess the
most anxious concern for the salvation of the perishing
multitudes around him. Through his instrumentality a considerable
church has been collected together which seems to be in a
prosperous and growing condition. Sabbath and week day schools
have been instituted for the instruction of native children and
the children of the colony, which have proved eminently useful.
We were looking forward with confidence to the more perfect
consummation of our w