Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/200

 account. He became, in consequence of it, convinced, as, indeed, he could not otherwise be, of the truth of what I had asserted, and he declared at the same time that, if this were true, there was nothing so horrible related of this trade, which might not immediately be believed. Mr. Powys had been always friendly to this question, but now he took a part in the distribution of my books.

"Among those whom I visited, was Mr. Wilberforce. On my first interview with him, he stated frankly, that the subject had often employed his thoughts, and that it was near his heart. He seemed earnest about it, and also very desirous of taking the trouble of inquiring further into it. Having read my book, which I had delivered to him in person, he sent for me. He expressed a wish that I would make him acquainted with some of my authorities for the assertions in it, which I did afterwards to his satisfaction. He asked me if I could support it by any other evidence. I told him I could. I mentioned Mr. Newton, Mr. Nisbett, and several others to him. He took the trouble of sending for all these. He made memoranda of their conversation, and, sending for me afterwards, showed them to me. On learning my intention to devote myself to the cause, he paid me many handsome compliments. He then desired me to call upon him often, and to acquaint him with my progress from time to time. He expressed also his willingness to afford me any assistance in his power in the prosecution of my pursuits."

Mr. Wilberforce finally pledged himself to bring forward the great question of the abolition of the slave-trade, in the House of Commons, as soon as he could prepare himself for so tremendous a task. The matter now assumed a new shape. A parliamentary leader had been secured, and one whose virtuous life corresponded with the sacredness of the cause he was to advocate. The friends of the cause formed themselves into an association, raised funds, and appointed a committee to procure information and select evidence. Mr. Clarkson was to visit Liverpool, Bristol, and other slave ports, to increase his own knowledge of the subject, and to procure evidence, in case parliament should call for witnesses. He was absent five months, and returned to London in December, 1787 — Meantime, the committee had opened an extensive correspondence throughout England, Scotland, and America. They circulated documents, and addressed by letter all the corporate bodies of the kingdom. Tokens of approbation and promises of support flowed in upon them. From France, letters of encouragement were received from the Marquis de La Fayette, and the afterwards celebrated Brissot and Claviere. La Fayette informed the committee that he should attempt the formation of a similar society in France.

Of the indefatigable labors and untiring faithfulness of the committee, the following summary will give some idea: From May, 17 81, to July, 1788, they had held no less than fifty-one meetings. These generally occupied them from about six in the evening till about eleven at night. In the intervals between the meetings they were often occupied, having each of them some object committed to his charge. It is remarkable, too, that though they were all, except one, engaged in business or trade, and though they had the same calls as other men for innocent recreation, and the same interruptions of their health, there