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Comments on the recent paper by TB on schools and will be discussing it with Mrs [Hannah] More. Any alterations will be communicated as quickly as possible. Discusses another paper concerning the work of ladies. Further discusses the work of improving public morals.

Correspondence of William Wilberforce, mainly written by him, on a range of subjects including political and family matters; a notarial document relating to some of Wilberforce's ancestors.

Dated 12 April 1737. With the signatures and seals of James Barry and Daniel Whitaker. This document possibly relates to Thomas Wilberforce (1668-1742), Mayor of Beverley 1709-12, who had a son called William.

Acknowledges a letter sent to him by WBC. Asks for more information on the subject but points out that a lack of time, absence of advisors and advancing old age means that he cannot devote a great deal of energy to new projects.

Apologises for not replying to a communication sooner and blames the problem with his eyes for this apparent incivility.

Gives thanks for a letter and briefly discusses a hymn. Hopes to be able to acquaint himself more with JM as he will be visiting his son-in-law, who has recently been presented with a living near Rotherham, and will invite JM to be introduced.

Asks to introduce a family of long-standing acquaintance to JM.

Gives thanks for the present and commends EWB for her work 'sowing the seeds of good principle in youthful and even infant minds', an education that was not available only a short time previously.

Autograph letter, signed, from William Wilberforce to Captain John Fortescue of Cookhill. Discusses at length the conduct of Rev. W. Williams, who was married to Fortescue's daughter, Theodosia. Wilberforce had helped to secure a position in Canada for Williams, but subsequently recommended his removal after Williams had encouraged soldiers there to rebel. After Williams had publicly insulted Wilberforce, accusing him of taking away his wife and children, Wilberforce sought a warrant for his arrest, though Williams escaped after being apprehended. Wilberforce explains to Fortescue that he had always acted in kindness towards Williams and forgave him. He also discusses the religious beliefs behind his personal attitude towards duelling, and touches upon an eye complaint which has required him to write in haste. A note on the reverse of the letter by a member of the Fortescue family, dated 1885, refers to Williams as 'a thorough scoundrel' and 'a revolutionary spy'.

Apologises for the delay in replying, being in part due to the failure of his eyesight. Gives thanks for a volume sent recently, but asks for another copy as he has mislaid the first.