Identity area
Reference code
Clarkson/Folder 1-5/Doc 78
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 25 May 1843 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
2p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Entered St John's 1780, BA 1783. Clarkson won the Members' Prize for a Latin Essay in 1785, the subject being 'anne liceat invitos in servitutem dare?' ('is it lawful to make slaves of others against their will?'). This contest determined the course of the rest of his life. The essay was read in the Senate House to much applause in June 1785, and was published by James Phillips in June 1786. Clarkson met William Wilberforce in 1786 and co-founded a committee for the suppression of the slave trade in 1787. He travelled to France in 1789 in an attempt to persuade the French Government to abolish the slave trade and continued to travel widely in Britain in support of the cause until forced by ill health to retire from his work in 1794. Returning to the struggle in 1805 with much success, he was finally rewarded by the passing of the bill abolishing the slave trade in 1807. With the bill Clarkson was celebrated as a national figure and a model of philanthropy. With Wilberforce he was made a vice-president of the Anti-slavery Society, formed in 1823, and in 1839 was admitted to the freedom of the City of London in recognition of his work. His final appearance on a public platform was at an Anti-slavery Convention held at the Freemason's Hall in 1840. Clarkson published a number of books and pamphlets regarding the abolition movement, including the comprehensive 'History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade' in 1808, an important record of the movement, and 'Thoughts on the Necessity for improving the Condition of the Slaves in the British Colonies, with a view to their ultimate emancipation' in 1823. Wordsworth addressed to him a sonnet 'on the final passing of the Bill for the Abolition of the Slave Trade' in March 1807 which began 'Clarkson, it was an obstinate hill to climb'.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Given by H. H. Brindley, Fellow, 1940.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Discusses the Ashburton Treaty (1), which Clarkson believes would break up a colony of fugitive slaves in Canada and restore them to slavery. Mentions the example of Nelson Hacket, a member of this colony, who was delivered back to his master in Arkansas and notes that the view of the Treaty taken by the US senate promotes the breaking up of the colony. Entreats the Lord to object to the 10th article of the Treaty, dealing with the return of slaves, when the Bill for the ratification of the Treaty comes before the House of Lords. Suggests that passing of the Bill would be breaking the word of the Duke of Wellington. (1) Signed by Great Britain and the USA on August 9, 1842.