Dewey was a supporter of the American Colonization Society (ACS), which was established to relocate free Blacks from the United States to other countries, especially those in Africa.

[2] In early 1824, after failing to recruit enough potential emigrants and funds for the West Coast of Africa, Dewey turned his attention to relocating Black people to Haiti.

In his correspondence, he referred to himself as a "General Agent" of ACS and expressed concern about the working and living conditions of potential immigrants to Haiti.

He inquired about whether they would be allowed to practice their own religions and suggested that ACS purchase the land from the Haitian government to establish a colony under American rule.

Boyer, recognizing the political importance of the organization, quickly sent judge and diplomat Jonathas Granville to the USA with 50,000 pounds of coffee to begin the emigration process.