From 1854-1857 the Maryland Colony in Liberia declared independence separate from Liberia, but following a war with natives in which they needed Liberian aid, they gave up dreams of independence and voted to unite with the rest of Liberia.
However, what if the colonies were given independence as US protectorates? Would the already established acceptance of foreign military aid inspire African Maryland to retain their independence? Or would they still likely join Liberia?