[2][3] Anderson emigrated to Liberia in January 1853, at the age of 20, and inherited a large sugar plantation on the Saint Paul River in 1858.
[2][3] He expanded his estates and became the largest sugar and coffee producer in the country, traveling as far as Bopolu to seek laborers for his plantations.
[4] William Spencer Anderson left Monrovia during the House's recess in May 1870 with a supply of trade goods, a number of porters, and an armed escort.
He was likely referring to the prevention of his journey by warring local groups, though the delay may also have been caused by lack of resources, ill health, or political reasons.
[2] He managed to secure $500,000 through David Chinery, the British consul-general, but the terms of the loan were criticized for being unworkable, and Anderson was arrested.