mstances of the times previously to the day of
decision--Motion at length made for stopping all further importation of
Slaves from Africa--debates upon it--motion lost--Resolutions of the
committee for the Abolition of the Slave-trade--Establishment of the Sierra
Leone Company._

It was a matter of deep affliction to us to think, that the crimes and
sufferings inseparable from the Slave-trade were to be continued to another
year. And yet it was our duty, in the present moment, to acquiesce in the
postponement of the question. This postponement was not now for the purpose
of delay, but of securing victory. The evidence, on the side of the
abolition, was, at the end of the last session, but half finished. It was
impossible, for the sake of Africa, that we could have then closed it. No
other opportunity might offer in parliament for establishing an indelible
record in her favour, if we were to neglect the present. It was our duty
therefore even to wait to complete it, and to procure such a body of
evidence, as should not only bear us out in the approaching contest, but
such as, if we were to fail, would bear out our successors also. It was
possible indeed, if the inhabitants of our islands were to improve in
civilization, that the poor slaves might experience gradually an improved
treatment with it; and so far testimony now might not be testimony for
ever: but it was utterly impossible, while the Slave-trade lasted, and the
human passions continued to be the same, that there should be any change
for the better in Africa; or that any modes, less barbarous, should come
into use for procuring slaves. Evidence therefore, if once collected on
this subject, would be evidence for posterity. In the midst of these
thoughts another journey occurred to me as necessary for this purpose; and
I prayed, that I might have strength to perform it in the most effectual
manner; and that I might be daily impressed, as I travelled along, with the
stimulating thought, that the last hope for millions might possibly rest
upon my own endeavours.

The committee highly approved of this journey. Mr. Wilberforce saw the
absolute necessity of it also; and had prepared a number of questions, with
great ingenuity, to be put to such persons, as might have information to
communicate. These I added to those in the tables, which have been already
mentioned; and they made together a valuable collection on the subject.

This tour was the most vexatious of an