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Letter soliciting Lord Henry's support for the abolitionist Thomas Clarkson's appointment to the Chair of Modern History at the University of Cambridge.

Briefly discusses the contents of Treaty of Washington regarding fugitive slaves.

Gives thanks for sending a book (1) and the fact that Clarkson dedicated it to the Lord. (1) Refers to Memoirs of the private and public life of William Penn written by Clarkson and published in 1813.

Describes his ambitions to visit England with the coming of spring, but excusing himself due to age (he is seventy) and incapacity, being bound not least by the worsening illness of his wife. The imminent departure of Madame Christophe and her daughters from Playford awakes further regrets at not having been able to retrace the past in their company. Vincent wishes that the King's son, Ferdinand, (who had been confided through Vincent's offices to his worthy friend Des Guieux) might have been sent to France for an education which would have stood him in good stead for service to his father (1). Vincent asks that his good wishes and devotion be conveyed to Madame Christophe, and presents his compliments to Mrs. Clarkson. (1) The prince was in fact murdered by the revolutionaries at the time of the suicide of Christophe.

Recounts a meeting with Gregoire at which Clarkson was talked of and Vincent took to Gregoire ' an excellent account of Senegal and especially the slave trade which is still carried on there, though less actively…' He expects Gregoire to publish something in consequence, worthy of both of them. He asks news of Madame Christophe and her daughters, and proposes to facilitate with all possible conveniences their reception in Italy, should they dread the English weather too much. He has written to them via a friend of the daughters, but does not know whether his letter reached its destination. He requests Clarkson's care for another refugee, M'selle Toussain[t], grand-daughter of Toussaint Louverture, who is about to land in England. Vincent assures Clarkson of the great admiration he inspires in him, and wishes that on this New Year he may find in this life - as he is sure to do in a better - recompense for his unwearying labours for the human race.

Acknowledges Clarkson's letter of 30 November which has dispelled his misgivings at Clarkson's previous lack of response. All that he has written of the merits of King Christophe, and his praise of his wife and the education of his two daughters, makes Vincent regret the more not having been able to stay with Clarkson, who had included Madame Vincent in his invitation. Vincent's initial fears about the Queen's high expenses in London have been relieved by Clarkson's excellent planning: she has nothing to fear from the winter lodged at Playford , and she and her daughters may return to their own sweltering climate when the fine weather comes. Vincent is contemplating with pleasure taking up in the Spring Clarkson's invitation to visit. He will bring materials concerning Haiti. He is accused of prejudice in favour of the blacks, and Clarkson's last letter, passed on to moderate people, has produced the same effect. In France, he is convinced, they are subject to greater prejudice, and accounts of the history of the Haitian revolution may not be published without awakening great antagonism. Nevertheless he believes that the Slave Trade is on the verge of being abolished, and that a new minister will adopt the opinion that it can no longer be tolerated, let alone encouraged. He looks forward to a reunion at Playford Hall, and a discussion of how to write the history of the Haitian revolution, at which prospect Clarkson's friend Greg[?oire] himself is dismayed. Vincent considers himself surrounded by enemies of truth, and in opposition to their prejudices and interests; this makes him the more desire the visit to England. He sends respects to Mrs. Clarkson and the family of Christophe.

Vincent has just read in the Paris Gazettes that the former Queen of Haiti and her two daughters are at present at Playford Hall, and he considers it typically worthy of Clarkson to have discharged a debt which lies rather more at the door of a government [i.e. than at that of a private individual]. He hopes that his letter (i.e. the one following) finds them still at Playford, and will be glad to learn that they receive with especial grace ('avec quelque distinction') his protestations of devotion.

Acknowledges, on his return to Paris, Clarkson's of the 2nd September, thanks Clarkson for his renewed invitation, and expresses his regrets at not having been able to see him at his (Vincent's) last visit. He also regrets not having made the acquaintance of Benjamin Laroche, whose work he admires and considers worthy of writing a history of the Haitian revolution, for which Vincent has materials which he would be happy to make available to Laroche. Thanks Clarkson for the return of his little manuscript on the two black leaders of Haiti, which he does not think was approved by Fullerton senior and junior. They were at first zealous admirers of King Henry, who presented them with great commercial opportunities which have vanished with his death; Vincent regrets the change in opinion concerning the King he so much respected. He has learned with pleasure that the Queen and her children have retired to England, and asks Clarkson to relay his devotion to her should he correspond; he has already asked Fullerton junior to do so, and has confided to him a token of his remembrance to be resented to her. He has brought back from England information about the last revolution in Haiti, and the character of the King, not favourable to King Henry, which he will pass on when he finds the opportunity, and he asks Clarkson for any that he has. Clarkson has noted the main themes in pencil in the margins.

Announces his pleasure that with the arrival of Mr. Foulerton [Fullerton], junior he has been able to make the journey to London, but excusing himself for reasons of fatigue from making the journey to Ipswich to see Clarkson. He spoke with Gregoire before he left, who was very anxious to be remembered to Clarkson, and Vincent attaches a writing of Gregoire's to this letter [not here]. He discusses in detail the disordered condition of Haiti as relayed by Foulerton, which he does find reassuring.

Acknowledges his of the 16th June received yesterday, and explaining that he has delayed writing himself until he should receive news from Haiti. Mr. Foulerton's [Fullerton?] son was due to return in May and accompany Vincent to England, taking advantage of Clarkson's invitation, but young Foulerton has not arrived. Vincent thinks that Clarkson has overestimated the worth of his Observations, but has no objection to the publication of something of which Clarkson evidently approves. Sends regards to Mrs. Clarkson.