Description:

William Wilberforce
[Middlesex, England], June 7, 1830
Abolitionist W. Wilberforce 1830 LS "…I still take a deep interest in the much injured fellow Creatures…"
LS

A manuscript letter from British MP and abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759 - 1833), signed by him at conclusion as "W. Wilberforce". 3p of a bifolium, measuring 7" x 9", Highwood Hill, Middlesex, June 7, 1830. Addressed to one George Paton Esq. several years into his retirement from political office, Wilberforce discusses his ongoing interest in abolishing the Atlantic slave trade, specifically within the island of Mauritius. Exhibits moderate creasing and letter folds throughout, with areas of minor soiling. Secretarial docketing on verso. Negligible tearing present at center fold, otherwise very good. Fascinating content!

In part:

"…I need not however assure you that I still take a deep interest in the much injured fellow Creatures on whose behalf you have addressed me; and I entirely concur with you in [the] judgement that we can effect the deliverance of the Slaves only by applying to the good principles and feelings of the People in general.
I scarcely however dare be as sanguine as you appear to be, either as to the facility of producing a general popular movement for the purpose intended, in a degree sufficient to counteract the powerful interest of the West Indians in both House of Parliament, combined with the disinclination to our cause which Government has but too plainly manifested. The expediency of the measure you suggest, of bringing over the black Preacher, must entirely depend on this personal qualifications, of which I know nothing, nor do I understand you are acquainted with them. I will make some inquiry on this head, though I own I see many great difficulties and weighty objections to it.
The Slave trade at the Mauritius of which you speak, has been at length proved to have been carried on through the connivance I fear of the Government of that Island. But I am assured that Government intends to take the course which justice and humanity prescribed in the matter, to have an inquiry instituted, and to restore to their liberty, all who have been so unjustly and cruelly deprived of it. I must do our Government the justice to declare that I firmly believe they had no knowledge whatsoever of the Slave trade's existence in the Mauritius, and indeed there were many independent members of Parliament who were firmly convinced that the Charge urged by Mr. Buxton, and which his illness in the first place and Sir Robert Farquhar's death subsequently, have alone prevented being discussed in Parliament, were without foundation."

Wilberforce notably references his close abolitionist ally, Fowell Buxton (1786-1845), as well as the first Governor of Mauritius Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar (1776-1830). When the latter assumed governorship in 1811, he found the island's economy entirely dependent upon slavery. Despite the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which outlawed the international slave trade but not slavery itself, it became evident to Farquhar that an illegal institution remained unbeknownst to the government. True to Wilberforce's prediction, Parliament introduced legislation in September 1830 to emancipate the slaves who had been imported illegally between into the colony during this period. Later in 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act which emancipated all enslaved persons within the British Empire was formally introduced and passed unopposed, just one week before Wilberforce's death.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7" x 9"
  • Medium: LS

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