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Pamphlets relating to the slave trade written by Thomas Clarkson, William Wilberforce and others.

Acknowledges a parcel sent by the letter. He describes the importance of the example given by Clarkson's efforts, as wielding a moral force superior to that inculcated by principles alone. He comments on the importance of the personal interests of those concerned in advancing a great cause, and the hypocrisy of a motion for the freedom of Negroes being put before the National Assembly, which is preoccupied with its own ideas of liberty.

Sent during TC's visit to France, assuring him that he is quite right not to have put himself to trouble to translate his last communication into French, since the writer has perfectly understood it, with a little help. He acknowledges on behalf of the Abbe Sieyes and himself, the two pictures which Clarkson sends, with which the writer is already familiar. (1) This design inspired Lubersac with a great hatred of the traffic in human kind as much as that traffic has degraded it. He invites Clarkson with an unnamed friend, to a modest dinner next Monday at 4 p.m. (1) The picture was evidently the slave ship picture which Clarkson circulated in profusion in Paris and from which Mirabeau had a model made for his dining room table (See Clarkson Biography, pp. 57-8).

Announces the delivery to him of several copies of the Address of the Societe to the National Assembly, by [?Demout] who knows its internal politics and the appointment of a Committee to review the question which is favourable to abolition '- the blow is struck and this trade shall go away by and by'.

Expresses surprise that Clarkson has not written, doubtless hindered by business, since Brissot is being asked about his affairs at the Society [? the Societe des Amis des Noirs]. He attaches the Address [not here] which he and his colleagues have just presented at the National Assembly, but a great storm of opposition has arisen, especially in Bordeaux. The cause of Free Negroes has been discussed in a violent atmosphere at the General Assembly of the Hotel de Ville. The public is in support, but the Cabal is so strong that, fearing for success, the Societe preferred to withdraw the petition. Brissot is intending to print several good works and assumes that Clarkson will immediately translate the Address to the Assembly into English and place it in all the papers. Clarkson's letter to Mosneron de l'Auny has been published. Brissot urgently requests information about the progress of a treaty for the supply of slaves said to have been made between the English and Spanish Governments.

Explains that he has written and sent the Address made to the National Assembly. The cause is gaining ground amid rising opposition. We [the Societe?] are publishing a good refutation of Lamiral and another work by an inhabitant of Domingo (St. Dominique, i.e. modern Haiti). The cause of the free Negroes has been debated in our Assembly, but without success. Brissot asks Clarkson to cash an order for Louis d'Or, paying them to Bridel who delivers this letter.

Discusses the fortunes of the debate about the abolition of 'Negro trade' in the National Assembly and its handling in Assembly committees, and in a committee at the Hotel de Ville. Brissot and his colleagues are asking that a private committee such as 'you have got in your Parliament' be appointed to consider the question. Brissot urges Clarkson to print his 'evidences' which will make a great impression in Paris, where The Patriot paper is regularly received. A furious battle for and against the cause of abolition is being conducted in the press. He recommends Bridel's affair.

De Warville received Clarkson's undated letter (the third he has received) three or four days ago and will appreciate any assistance Clarkson can give to the Societe, the sooner the better since publications are proceeding briskly. Brissot's friend in New York, Myers [?John], tells him that a considerable number of friends have applied to Congress for the abolition of slavery in the United States. M. Oge (1) will be in London in eight or ten days, having sent a friend on in advance. The progress of reform in the House of Commons affects the morale of abolitionists in the National Assembly. They are much distracted by the destruction of the settlement in Sierra Leone (2), and ask for an account of that to be established there by Woodhouse. They have been honoured by visits from Messrs. [?Strand] and [?Nordenschfold]. (1) Vincent Oge, a mulatto of St Dominique, subsequently executed for revolt (Clarkson Biography, pp. 63-4). (2) Granville Sharp's settlement (See Clarkson Biography, pp. 63-4).

Is surprised not to have received a reply to his last, acquainting Clarkson with the lack of success in Paris. Members of the National Assembly are now ashamed at their decree, a resolution which they say they came to for fear of losing the colonies. The 'men of colour' (?mulattos) have petitioned the Assembly to be heard on the subject of the decree. The Societe now consists of the most respectable members of the Assembly. Petion de Villeneuve is President, Brissot is Secretary, and Mirabeau is one of the members. Petion's and Mirabeau's speeches are to be printed and will make a great impact, but the Societe labours under heavy expenses from printing, and Lanthenas and Le Page, the Treasurer, will write to Clarkson with details of the costs. Brissot asks detailed questions about the progress of the parliamentary campaign in England.

Discusses the enactment of the Instruction for Colonial Government, and the place of 'gens de couleur' in it. It is intended to send fifty copies of Petion's printed speech to Clarkson, and to disseminate one thousand copies of Mirabeau's speech. Treasurer of the Societe Le Page is writing with details of expenses, the Societe appeals to Clarkson for financial help in its distress. Brissot enquires about the relation of the St. George's Bay Company with the settlement of Sharp, and the other independent company for Sierra Leone.