Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/260

 in the cause, lie returned to his post. As it was probable the bill would be passed the next year, by the commons, and if so, that it would go to the lords, and that they might require further evidence, it was judged proper that evidence should be prepared. The band of witnesses which had been last collected were broken by death and dispersion, and a new one was to be formed. This Herculean task Mr. Clarkson undertook. lie left London immediately, and returned in January, 1806, after having traveled in pursuit of his object 5000 miles. In this month died Mr. Pitt, who had been one of the great supporters of the cause.

Mr. Clarkson says: "The way in which Mr. Pitt became acquainted with this question, has already been explained. A few doubts having been removed, when it was first started, he professed himself a friend to the abolition. The first proof which he gave of his friendship to it is known to but few; but it is nevertheless true, that so early as in 1188, he occasioned a communication to be made to the French government, in which he recommended a union of the two countries for the promotion of the great measure. This proposition seemed to be then new and strange to the court of France, and the answer was not favorable.

"From this time his efforts were reduced within the boundaries of his own powers. As far, however, as he had scope, he exerted them. If we look at him in his parliamentary capacity, it must be acknowledged by all that he took an active, strenuous and consistent part, and this, year after year, by which he realized his professions. In my own private communications with him, which were frequent, he never failed to give proof of a similar disposition. I had always free access to him. I had no previous note or letter to write for admission. Whatever papers I wanted he ordered. He exhibited also in his conversation with me on these occasions marks of more than ordinary interest in the welfare of the cause. Among the subjects which were started, there was one which was always near his heart. This was the civilization of Africa. He looked upon this great work as a debt due to that continent for the many injuries we had inflicted upon it: and had the abolition succeeded sooner, as in the infancy of his exertions he had hoped, I know he had a plan, suited no doubt to the capaciousness of his own mind, for such establishments in Africa as he conceived would promote in due time this important end."

On the 31st March, 1806, the question was ushered again into parliament, but under new auspices, namely, under the administration of Lord Grenville and Mr. Fox. It was thought proper that Mr. Wilberforce should be, as it were, in the back ground on this occasion, and that the attorney general, as a conspicuous officer of the government, should introduce it. The latter accordingly brought in a bill, one of the objects of which was to prevent British merchants and British capital from being employed in the foreign slave-trade. This bill passed both houses of parliament, and was therefore the first that dismembered the traffic. In the debate it was declared, in substance, both by Lord Grenville and Mr. Fox, in their respective houses, that they would do everyhing to effect the abolition, and should they succeed in such a noble