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Letter soliciting Lord Henry's support for the abolitionist Thomas Clarkson's appointment to the Chair of Modern History at the University of Cambridge.

Informs Clarkson that he knows from a visitor, M. Morannas, formerly employed by the French government of Senegal, of a letter of Clarkson's to M. Coquerel in which he has made honourable mention of Vincent and, from the same source, that he knows of Clarkson's visit to his abode while he was away in Italy. He regrets not having seen Clarkson, for he is aware of Clarkson's belief in Vincent's sincere attachment to his old friend Christophe [Henri Christophe, ruler of Haiti]. He was in Haiti fifteen years amid revolutionary turmoil and at the time of his last departure from Cap Henry owed his life to Christophe's zealous intervention when pursued by the false accusation [or manoeuvre or similar] of ' le general en chef Toussain' [Toussaint de Louverture??]. Discusses his literary efforts, now in England in the hands of Mr Foulerton [Fullerton?], on behalf of Christophe against a pamphlet attack on him and the blacks of Haiti. He has traveled to Italy and sought friends for Haiti with some success, but has heard nothing from this country which has preoccupied him for forty years. He begs Clarkson to forward him any communication intended for him from Haiti, which he may have in his hands.

Mr. Godwin states that he is interested in promoting the anti-slavery cause through a series of lectures. States that the best course of action is for Parliament to set a date for abolition and to make arrangements for that date to be met. Hopes Clarkson can help him either with written information or by sending recent publications. Maude introduces Godwin to Clarkson and states he is of good conscientious character and has been working hard to promote the anti slavery cause in Yorkshire which is growing stronger, especially amongst women.

Discusses the fortunes of the debate about the abolition of 'Negro trade' in the National Assembly and its handling in Assembly committees, and in a committee at the Hotel de Ville. Brissot and his colleagues are asking that a private committee such as 'you have got in your Parliament' be appointed to consider the question. Brissot urges Clarkson to print his 'evidences' which will make a great impression in Paris, where The Patriot paper is regularly received. A furious battle for and against the cause of abolition is being conducted in the press. He recommends Bridel's affair.

Explains that he has written and sent the Address made to the National Assembly. The cause is gaining ground amid rising opposition. We [the Societe?] are publishing a good refutation of Lamiral and another work by an inhabitant of Domingo (St. Dominique, i.e. modern Haiti). The cause of the free Negroes has been debated in our Assembly, but without success. Brissot asks Clarkson to cash an order for Louis d'Or, paying them to Bridel who delivers this letter.

Introduces an architect, Mr. Norris, a 'valuable friend'. The second address to the National Assembly is enclosed. Brissot refers again to Le Page's letter and the financial straits of the Societe and discusses the progress of the cause in the Assembly, including the outcry against a leading opponent, Lamiral.

Discusses financial needs, and measures taken to meet them from an English bank account, in detail, and warning against various individuals connected with the Societe, including d'Oge, who have been guilty of peculation or treachery. Some pamphlets have been printed for the 'gens de couleur'. Brissot congratulates on the ' victory humanity has gained in the last struggle about the right of declaring war'. He asks for news of Sierra Leone.

De Warville received Clarkson's undated letter (the third he has received) three or four days ago and will appreciate any assistance Clarkson can give to the Societe, the sooner the better since publications are proceeding briskly. Brissot's friend in New York, Myers [?John], tells him that a considerable number of friends have applied to Congress for the abolition of slavery in the United States. M. Oge (1) will be in London in eight or ten days, having sent a friend on in advance. The progress of reform in the House of Commons affects the morale of abolitionists in the National Assembly. They are much distracted by the destruction of the settlement in Sierra Leone (2), and ask for an account of that to be established there by Woodhouse. They have been honoured by visits from Messrs. [?Strand] and [?Nordenschfold]. (1) Vincent Oge, a mulatto of St Dominique, subsequently executed for revolt (Clarkson Biography, pp. 63-4). (2) Granville Sharp's settlement (See Clarkson Biography, pp. 63-4).

Is surprised not to have received a reply to his last, acquainting Clarkson with the lack of success in Paris. Members of the National Assembly are now ashamed at their decree, a resolution which they say they came to for fear of losing the colonies. The 'men of colour' (?mulattos) have petitioned the Assembly to be heard on the subject of the decree. The Societe now consists of the most respectable members of the Assembly. Petion de Villeneuve is President, Brissot is Secretary, and Mirabeau is one of the members. Petion's and Mirabeau's speeches are to be printed and will make a great impact, but the Societe labours under heavy expenses from printing, and Lanthenas and Le Page, the Treasurer, will write to Clarkson with details of the costs. Brissot asks detailed questions about the progress of the parliamentary campaign in England.

Discusses the enactment of the Instruction for Colonial Government, and the place of 'gens de couleur' in it. It is intended to send fifty copies of Petion's printed speech to Clarkson, and to disseminate one thousand copies of Mirabeau's speech. Treasurer of the Societe Le Page is writing with details of expenses, the Societe appeals to Clarkson for financial help in its distress. Brissot enquires about the relation of the St. George's Bay Company with the settlement of Sharp, and the other independent company for Sierra Leone.