Identity area
Reference code
Clarkson/Folder 6/Doc 162
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 8/9 September 1820 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
8p 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
Bought from G. H. Last Booksellers, 1934
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Pleased that recipient arrived safely in Haiti and found letter to a Mr. Biddle useful. Gives advise on the education of the King of Haiti's son. Suggests that it cannot be carried out as in England, especially as the Prince at the age of sixteen is old to be starting his schooling. Recommends a course of Latin, of ancient and modern history and chronology, and the sciences of astronomy and mechanics. Suggests that education should be directed towards moral improvement. Emphasises the use of the Bible to teach history and as a way of demonstrating that all of mankind are from the same stock. Discusses possible objections to biblical tales and how these can be answered. Recommends the use of the New Testament as a way of teaching morality. Will order the books which have been recommended, stresses that the Prince should be taught to be tolerant of all religions and intimates that he will write to the King suggesting he starts a library.