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Clarkson, Thomas (1760-1846) slavery abolitionist
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Autograph letter, signed, from Joseph Soul to Thomas Clarkson, from New Broad Street

Offers a critique of a piece written by Clarkson, the 'Grievances of Seamen.' Notes that Clarkson has overlooked a recent law which has been used by police magistrates for the registry of seamen. Suggests that this would make it very easy for all captains to report to Customs a list of absentees. Discusses lodging houses for sailors and recommends that the accommodation be in the hands of magistrates rather than the clergy as they are able to use the police to make enquiries. Notes the importance of rules and that the lodgings should be temperance houses. Recommends the founding of marine schools for sailors in every port, partly to keep sailors from drunkenness, along with a hospital. Would be keen to see every lodging house and every ship have a small library, which would include religious texts, and that ministers should be available for all lodging houses. Thinks that sailors only wish to be treated as rational and accountable beings and can, on the whole, be men of temperance.

Autograph letter, signed, in French, from General Vincent [Louis Charles Marie, Baron de, b. 1793?] to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris

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he is convinced, they are subject to greater prejudice, and accounts of the history of the Haitian revolution may not be published without awakening great antagonism.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.

Autograph letter, signed, from Brissot de Warville, to Thomas Clarkson, from Paris

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).

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