Page:Thorpe (1819) A commentary on the treaties.pdf/51

47 1810, the Prince Regent of Portugal “assures us, that he is convinced of the injustice and impolicy of the slave trade, and of the disadvantages which arise from introducing such a factitious population into his South American dominions, and has resolved to co-operate with His Britannic Majesty by adopting the most efﬁcacious means for bringing about an abolition of the slave trade throughout the whole of his dominions.”

The treaty signed 22d of January 1815, contains also the following strong protestations.

“His Britannic Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince Regent of Portugal, equally animated by a sincere desire to accelerate the moment when the blessings of peaceful industry and an innocent commerce may be encouraged throughout this extensive portion of the continent of Africa, by its being delivered from the evils of the slave trade.” The treaty then proceeds to prohibit the subjects of Portugal from trading for slaves, north or: the equator which I need not copy.

Here is an acknowledgment of the evils of the slave trade, that it prevents the blessings of peaceful industry and innocent commerce from being extended over any portion of Africa, where it is carried on; and in another clause it is stated,