Elliot Cresson (1796-1854) was a Philadelphia philanthropist and perhaps the most ardent member of the Young Men's Colonization Society of Pennsylvania, a branch of the American Colonization Society. Ralph Randolph Gurley (1797-1872) was a key administrator of the American Colonization Society for 50 years, eventually becoming director for life. At this time, he was the agent and secretary of the society.

Historical Context

The American Anti-Slavery Society was founded in 1833 by prominent abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison and others who believed the institution of slavery should be abolished. Elliot Cresson, member of the Young Men’s Colonization Society of Pennsylvania, was a prominent Quaker as well as a zealous supporter of colonization. Though many Quakers were abolitionists, including well known leaders such as Anthony Benezet and Lucretia Mott, many 19th century Quakers were also colonization supporters, anti-abolitionists, and even slaveowners.

During the Examination, questioners of Mr. Brown as well as Brown himself mention “recaptured Africans.” This term refers to enslaved African people brought illegally to the United States (where the importation of slaves from Africa was banned in 1808), “recaptured” by American naval ships, and resettled in Liberia.