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Gives resolutions of the 'Second General Meeting of the Inhabitants of Exeter' called by the mayor for 'taking into Consideration the African Slave Trade'. Resolutions as follows: Approves the formation of committees for the purpose of abolishing the slave trade; notes money already subscribed and the need for more funds, further subscriptions will be requested from the inhabitants of Exeter; thanks Mayor for calling meeting and Clarkson for speaking; will ensure that the resolutions are printed in newspapers in London, Exeter and Sherborne.

Praises King Henri 1st of Haiti (1) and gives an account of the efforts to 'civilise a barbaric people' through education. Notes that due to his fear of a French invasion, Henri has retained a large standing army and this is hindering his attempts to improve his country. Understands that France has suffered greatly from the loss of its colony and also has to cope with the return of its colonials. Wishes to bring Haiti and France together for mutual benefit and thinks that Turkheim, as a French legislator, is in a position to help. Realises that France is much despised in Haiti due to the recent conflagration, in spite of the benign influence of Louis 18th. Discusses the treaty signed in 1814 between Britain and France which stipulated that France should end the slave trade in five years and the plan, devised by the French minister for marine and colonies, M. Malouet, to massacre the inhabitants of Haiti and import 300,000 Negroes from Africa. States that the discovery of this information by King Henri, and also the fact that France tried to coerce Petoin (2) into conquering Haiti, and his dissemination of this information amongst his people has further aroused suspicions of French animosity. Believes that King Henri is a straightforward man who will deal with a French officer sent straight to him, but will not stand for any intrigue. Offers his service to France to enable the two countries to come to agreement and notes that he has already sent proposal to Henri. (1) Formerly General Henri Christophe. (2) Alexander Petion, president of the Republic of Haiti (present day Dominican Republic).

One response is a brief general protest, the other a signed detailed rebuttal of further slanders. The latter said (on the contents list of Gregoire Envelope) to be addresses to the Gazette de France, but merely headed 'M(onsieur)'.

Relates how Clarkson presented a letter thanking the Emperor for his efforts in ending the slave trade and asking for further help, together with an introduction from the Duke of Gloucester, to Baroness Trudonov, someone whom the Emperor visited every evening. After a short delay he was summoned for an audience on 23 September at the Palais de Bourbon. Clarkson admits to nervousness but relates how the Emperor immediately put him at ease. Confirming his animosity towards the slave trade, something which had increased with the reading of Clarkson's book, the Tsar stated he wanted to do as much as possible to help. He had tried to outlaw it in the original treaty with France (1) but this had proved impossible. He had redoubled his efforts during the Congress of Vienna and foundations had been laid. Finally, with the help of the British minister, the French had been pressured to abandon the slave trade. Clarkson agreed that this was an achievement but English supporters were disappointed that the slave trade had not been proclaimed as piracy at the Congress of Vienna. If the allied sovereigns professed to be against robbery and murder then surely the slave trade too was illegal. Furthermore it was against justice and religion. The Emperor agreed with Clarkson's point of view but stated that unfortunately the Congress of Vienna was unable to cure all Europe's ills. It, most importantly, had to bring safety, peace and tranquility to Europe and as the slave trade could only be ended by force, there would have to be a delay whilst peace was restored. Nevertheless, it remained a goal and the fact that France had joined in abolishing it was a step in the right direction. Further discussion ensued concerning colleagues of Clarkson's from the anti slave trade movement who had previously met the Emperor, the Quaker religion and the education system in England and how it could be useful in Russia. (1) The Treaty of Paris, signed by Great Britain and France on 30 May 1814.

'Today, 11 Sept 1814, Mr. Thomas Clarkson sent me 585 francs to pay Mr. Egion for printing his work Les Desavantages Politiques de la Traite de Negres (1) the said day and year; [signed] Gregoire 'ancien Eveque' [i.e. under the old regime] of Blois'. (1) No doubt, Essay on the Impolicy of the African SlaveTrade (1788, but reprinted in 1814: see Clarkson's Biography p.128).

Papers relating to the abolition of the slave trade

List, typed, of the published works of Thomas Clarkson. Annotations showing copies held in St John's College Library

A chronological description in Thomas Clarkson's hand ?

Informs Wadkin that the government has resolved to pass through both houses a Bill for the Abolition of the Foreign Slave Trade. States that Wilberforce will put off the 'Great Bill' until this first is safely through and that Wadkin is to be ready to apply to his Member of Parliament. Suggests that this Bill is the first attack on the slave trade and will save 35,000 Africans. Asks for a list of subscribers.

Discusses subscribers from Manchester and the dispatch of books to them, the circulation of books in London and the price of them.